You’re probably familiar with the top two scorers on the OHL’s Erie Otters this season: Dylan Strome, taken third overall by Arizona last season, and Alex DeBrincat, a projected first-rounder this season. But how about the Otters’ third-highest scorer, Taylor Raddysh?
In 2014-15, Raddysh graduated from Toronto’s GTHL and scored 27 points in 58 games with the Connor McDavid-led Otters. This season he grew significantly and became a driver of the team’s offence.
Here’s what you need to know about Taylor Raddysh.
Age on June 24: 18
From: Caledon, Ont.
Current Team: Erie Otters, OHL
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 203 pounds
Twitter account: @Raddy1998
NHL Central Scouting Rank (North American): 36th
Jeff Marek’s Take: This big bodied forward has proven he can put up points even without high end help on his line. Still needs to improve skating.
Strong on the puck…
Usually, the main knock on young players in their draft year is a lack of strength. And while Raddysh should still get stronger before stepping up to the next level, his muscle on the puck and the way he protects it is a positive for him.
Raddysh improved dramatically in the assist column this season as he earned more ice time in his second year, but defence is also a concern at this point in his development. His two-way game needs improvement before advancing to the next level and, if he falls out of the first round, that would be why.
Power forward to complement skill players…
NHL.com ranks Raddysh as the eight-best right winger available in this draft and notes that he has “diamond in the rough” potential.
But Raddysh isn’t projected as even a first-liner, nevermind a stand alone difference maker. He is expected to be an impact complementary player on a second or third line with skill players.
He is a ferocious forechecker and loves to throw around his heavy body when attacking the puck carrier. Alongside two strong scorers with Erie this season, Raddysh’s point totals improved dramatically.
It’s worth noting, then, that a physical player such as Raddysh has so few penalty minutes. Over two OHL seasons he has a combined 31 penalty minutes. So while he brings that physical edge, he is a disciplined player.
