The Washington Capitals made some big changes this offseason, and one signing they're going to keep a close eye on is forward Taylor Raddysh.
General manager Brian MacLellan signed Raddysh to a one-year, $1 million contract to replenish some of his forward depth with Max Pacioretty, Beck Malenstyn and Nicolas Aube-Kubel all departing this summer.
And while he could be a fit on the fourth line, MacLellan believes he could play a bigger role going forward.
"He's an interesting player, I think," MacLellan noted. "I think we can get more out of him."
Raddysh, 26, is a big forward with a knack for the net. He can get to the high-danger areas and play a good complementary role, and he also has a strong shot and good hands.
"He has a pretty good skill set, pretty good size, can make plays," MacLellan noted of the 6-3, 198-pound winger, adding, "I think he could complement (Dowd and Duhaime) with playmaking, keeping plays alive and provide some offense."
Just two seasons ago, Raddysh had 20 goals in 78 games with the Chicago Blackhawks. He packs promise but he needs to show consistency on a nightly basis at the highest level after years in the AHL.
There will be an opportunity for Raddysh in Washington, as he can not only get a chance to play on the powerhouse fourth line with Nic Dowd and fellow free agent signing Brandon Duhaime, but he could potentially earn more minutes and play in different areas based on what he shows.
"It's just a matter of getting an identity for him, I think," MacLellan noted.
