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22 hours ago
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Darren Raddysh has put together an absurd, remarkable season.
He had 70 points (including 22 goals) in 73 regular season games. And as far as the realm of things that are possible, this came pretty much out of nowhere.
"What a remarkably odd career trajectory," writes Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff on Friday. "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."
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Part of the added intrigue around Raddysh is that he's a free agent after this offseason. He'll be a fascinating evaluation for every team, including Tampa Bay if the Lightning want to bring him back.
The crazy part is that Raddysh is going to earn himself an exponential raise -- he's never even made $1 million for a season in his NHL career.
"The Bolts have obvious interest in re-signing him, and he continues to be a vital cog this postseason, averaging north of 25 minutes a game, but Raddysh has never even earned $1 million in a season," Larkin writes. "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?"
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That last sentence and question is a fair point. Raddysh is looking at his one chance at a life-changing contract. It would make sense to pursue that in the fullest possible way.
That doesn't mean that Raddysh couldn't return to the Lightning. It will just likely take a fair market price by Tampa Bay to have a chance of retaining their breakout defenseman.
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