We’re lower than a month away from the 2024-25 season, and the Tampa Bay Lightning will probably be again in motion with a brand new dynamic to the roster. The workforce added and subtracted at ahead and protection this offseason. Gamers like Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, Mikhail Sergachev, and J.J. Moser had been concerned in transactions.
Associated: Lightning’s Hedman Talks Stamkos Departure & Captain Potential
With all of the modifications, let’s give attention to some crucial items heading into the season. We are going to evaluate their efficiency from final season, their function for the upcoming season, and expectations for them. At present, we are going to cowl one of many X-factors on the again finish for the Lightning this season in Darren Raddysh.
Recapping Raddysh’s 2023-24 Marketing campaign
Following a stable rookie season, the late bloomer notched six objectives and 27 assists for 33 factors in 82 video games. Raddysh began the season on the third pairing alongside Sergachev, however the two struggled collectively. He additionally spent minutes on the third defensive pairing with Calvin de Haan, however he was effectively above that function about midway via the season. Finally, he grew to become Victor Hedman’s good companion. Hedman began the season along with his part-time companion from 2022-23, Nick Perbix, however the duo struggled as a result of Perbix had a down season.
Raddysh flourished in a defensive function alongside the veteran Hedman. He was one among two Lightning defenders to complete with an on-ice anticipated objectives proportion (xGF%) above 50% at 5-on-5 (by way of NaturalStatTrick). Moreover, he posted stable outcomes in opposition to “elite” competitors, controlling 49.8% of the on-ice Corsi share (CF%) in these 420 troublesome minutes (by way of PuckIQ). Hedman’s on-ice Corsi for proportion (CF%) dropped 4 % in opposition to the elite competitors with out Raddysh on the ice in roughly 258 minutes. In the meantime, Raddysh’s on-ice CF% jumped above the 50% threshold in 172 minutes with out Hedman.
Raddysh labored effectively with Hedman resulting from his skill to defend the frenzy. Whereas Hedman jumped within the play and took dangers offensively to generate high-danger possibilities, Raddysh sat again as a security web. Raddysh exceeded the league imply (fiftieth percentile) in zone entry protection denials per 60 (by way of AllThreeZones). Furthermore, he thrived on Tampa Bay’s sound breakout performs, rating above the 68th percentile in zone exits with possession per 60 amongst defensemen. For a man who seemed like a profession American Hockey League (AHL) participant a few seasons in the past, the Lightning struck gold with Raddysh on their blue line.
Raddysh’s Function for the 2024-25 Season
With these distinctive instruments and the flexibility to quarterback the second powerplay unit, the plan is for Raddysh to start out the season with Hedman once more on the primary defensive pairing. Fortunately, by re-acquiring Ryan McDonagh, the Lightning can throw him and his companion Erik Cernak out in opposition to the opponent’s top-six forwards, giving Hedman and Raddysh extra free rein to play to their strengths offensively.
Raddysh may see a slight lower in his time-on-ice this season as McDonagh and Cernak function collectively once more. Moreover, Tampa Bay has a stellar backside pairing with Moser and Perbix, presumably top-of-the-line third pairings within the NHL. Regardless, the Lightning could have a number of candidates to pair with Hedman if Raddysh goes right into a sophomore droop much like Perbix final season. They will bump Moser as much as the highest of the lineup or give Perbix one other strive with Hedman. Now, what are affordable expectations for Raddysh this season?
Expectations for 2024-25 Season
With the construction of the powerplay evolving, Raddysh may get extra alternatives with the second powerplay unit this season. A time-on-ice enhance on the particular groups models could elevate his level totals. We wouldn’t be shocked to see Raddysh across the 40-point mark if pucks bounce his approach this season.
Raddysh is a kind of cost-effective late bloomers that Tampa Bay finds via its organizational depth. Regardless of being a 26-year-old rookie, the blueliner has develop into a worthwhile choice to the again finish. Anyplace within the 5 to 10 purpose and 30 to 40-point vary are affordable level projections for Raddysh in his sophomore season.
