Darren Raddysh is having a season no one could’ve predicted.
He entered the year having scored 13 goals in his NHL career. He has 17 goals this season.
His previous career-high for assists in a season was 31. He already has 41 this season.
Through 57 games, Raddysh has 58 points. His previous best was 37 in 73 games.
And with Raddysh heading for free agency after the season, his contract considerations will be pretty much unprecedented.
Players pretty much never make a leap like this out of nowhere after years already in the NHL.
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Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin ranks Raddysh as his No. 4 possible free agent across the NHL this summer.
“What a remarkably odd career trajectory,” Larkin writes. “Raddysh didn’t play a full NHL campaign until he was 27. He brought secondary offense to the Bolts for a couple years, but his role exploded this season with Victor Hedman struggling to stay healthy. Three quarters of the way through the year, Raddysh still averages more than a point per game. He’ll likely receive down-ballot Norris Trophy votes at this point. The Bolts have interest in re-signing him, but Raddysh has never even earned $1 million in a season. His next contract will be a true life-changer, so Tampa’s offer will have to be significant in dollars and term to keep him from going to market. Why wouldn’t you if you were Raddysh?”
There’s never a real way to predict where a player will actually end up. The Lightning likely have strong meaning in Raddysh’s life, and so maybe he decides to stay put. Even if he does, he’ll still be looking at a solid raise.
And if a bidding competition commences, Raddysh has the chance to get a contract he never would’ve imagined.
