NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Taylor Raddysh

Get to Know: Taylor Raddysh

Date of Birth: February 18, 1998
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario
Ht: 6′-2″ Wt: 205 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Right Wing
Team (League): Erie Otters (OHL)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Brock Otten, OHL Prospects

Raddysh is just a really hard working complimentary offensive player who has excelled doing the “dirty work” for a guy like Dylan Strome. He has great size at 6’2/200lbs and uses that to drive the net, win battles in the corners, and open up space for his linemates. Raddysh just has that knack for finding open space in the offensive zone, which points to him having terrific hockey sense. I particularly love his vision coming off the wall. Creates a lot of scoring chances by making great passes after gaining/maintaining possession along the boards (similar to a guy like Matthew Tkachuk). His overall puck skill and skill set is not flashy, but he does whatever is needed on a scoring line and that’s why he’s a valuable player and could make a valuable pro. If he can really improve his skating (particularly power), he could be more of a driving force on a line.

Future Considerations

Raddysh is that big, powerful winger who also possesses soft hands for a player of his size and playing style. He generates just average speed, but is not slow by any means. He is balanced on his feet and hard to knock off the puck; he can carry the puck into the zone, as well as play a dump and-chase game … The kid possesses impressive offensive instincts and has a knack for controlling the middle of the ice both with and without the puck. … Defensively, he sticks to his check and adapts to the play very well, making him reliable. His playing style won’t jump off the page as he doesn’t make really flashy plays, but he brings a consistent game on each shift. And NHL teams really like consistency.

What BSN Avalanche sees

He’s not afraid of the dirty areas of the ice, and seems to have a natural knack for finding soft spots in the offensive zone.  Those strengths also make him very difficult to knock off the puck, even in heavy traffic. His passing is there, and so is his ability to find his teammates.

Right now, he has a clear pass-first mentality, probably stemming from the fact that he’s a younger guy on his line.  He’ll shoot, but only when players like Strome make it the obvious choice.  His speed is also just adequate; faster teams in the NHL will leave him behind unless his top speed improves.

Highlights

NHL Potential

Raddysh isn’t a flashy player. However, from one end to the other, he’s a consistent workhorse. You know exactly what you’re going to get when he steps on the ice – safe, sound plays. For NHL teams, that’s the exact type of player you’d like to see filling out your second and third lines. Add in the fact he’s already physically mature and has a good frame, and it’s a decent bet that he’ll have a NHL career at some point.

Expected Draft Position
ISS has him ranked in the late 1st round, but Future Considerations thinks he’s a late 2nd. He’ll probably still be there when the Avs head to the podium for 40th Overall, but it’s unlikely he lasts long after.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

His footspeed is a little concerning, but the rest of the package is not. If he continues to develop into a net presence and good passer, he’ll help address a weakness in the Avs overall system for complementary wingers and overall forward talent.