Blackhawks Player Grades: Taylor Raddysh

Next up in our Chicago Blackhawks player grades series is none other than Taylor Raddysh. The young power forward was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in the infamous Brandon Hagel trade and looked like he was meant to be an important part of the Blackhawks' future.

However, Raddysh had a disappointing 2023-24 season, leaning into questions regarding his future with the organization. Will Kyle Davidson sign Raddysh for another season, or more, in the near future?

Story of the Season

Coming off a 20-goal campaign in the 2022-23 season, Raddysh failed to reach the 20-point plateau in 2023-24. Raddysh suited up in 73 games, tallying 14 points (five goals, nine assists). The power forward largely lacked the finishing touch he possessed toward the end of the 2022-23 season.

Raddysh's best game was arguably in the Blackhawks' comeback win over the San Jose Sharks on March 23. The Ontario native collected two assists, marking his only multi-point effort of the season. Unfortunately, Raddysh was playing reasonable minutes but couldn't find the same offensive production that made him intriguing in 2022-23.

Raddysh is currently a restricted free agent. He very well could be re-signed by Davidson and the Blackhawks, but things are up in the air for the 26-year-old after a down season.

Grades

Jonnie Nonnie's Grade: F

Taylor Raddysh had a golden opportunity to step up as an integral offensive contributor when Taylor Hall and Andreas Athanasiou went on the shelf early in the season. He didn't seize it, posting just 14 points in 73 games — a far cry from his 20-goal, 37-point 2022-23 campaign. Now an RFA, Raddysh may have played his way out of Chicago.

Tony Marchese's Grade: F

The 2022-23 campaign may have been Raddysh's outlier. Following up a 20-goal season, Raddysh was only able to put five pucks in the back of the net in 2023-24. Furthering the disappointment, he also remained in the single digits in the assist column, only tallying nine apples for a 14-point season.

To say this is disappointing coming off of his 37 points in 2022-23 is a bit of an understatement. While it once felt like the Hawks found a potential top-six forward in Raddysh, that's far from the case after an underwhelming season in 2023-24.

Ron Luce's Grade: F

Raddysh was a player I penciled in as a top-six talent moving forward after scoring 20 goals in 2022-23. However, the arrival of Connor Bedard didn't help Raddysh, who instead regressed to those measly 14 points we've discussed.

When I think about Raddysh's future, I don't think it's in Chicago. He failed to step up and find his role on the team as a contributor. If he takes a small deal, he could return to Chicago on a prove-it contract. However, I believe he will have his rights moved in a trade before free agency even opens.

What's On Tap Next?

For Taylor Raddysh, a future with the Blackhawks looks uncertain. However, the 26-year-old winger still has a chance to make an impact at the NHL level. Will Kyle Davidson give him that chance once again in Chicago? Or will Raddysh face the same fate as trade companion Boris Katchouk and play elsewhere for the 2024-25 season?

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Taylor Raddysh? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram !

Related: Blackhawks Player Grades: Reese Johnson

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