For Taylor Raddysh, Joining The Capitals Was The Fresh Start He Needed. And So Far, He's Quietly Been One Of Their Best Additions

ARLINGTON, V.A. — When Taylor Raddysh hit free agency in July, he wasn't the big market guy that every team had their eyes on. But the Washington Capitals did.

D.C. saw something in the 26-year-old, and when the market opened, the Capitals signed him to a one-year, $1 million contract. It's not the most glamorous deal, but for Raddysh, it was everything, and exactly what he needed following a disappointing year with the Chicago Blackhawks.

"It's kind of almost been a restart kind of thing," Raddysh said of joining the Capitals, adding, "They gave me a chance."

Raddysh had just five goals in a losing season with Chicago in 2023-24, a follow-up to an impressive 20-goal campaign that'd put him on the radar earlier in his career. Washington believed that with the right pieces, Raddysh may be able to recapture some of that prowess, and so far, they've been right.

In 43 fewer games, Raddysh has already matched last year's point total, but looking at the advanced numbers that go beyond the scoresheet, he's making all the difference for D.C., especially at even strength.

At 5-on-5, Raddysh leads all Capitals forwards in high-danger Corsi for percentage (61.68) and scoring chances for percentage (58.20), and he ranks third among all forwards (trailing only Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilson) in expected goals for percentage (57.96). His Corsi-for percentage (51.83) also ranks fourth among all forwards with at least 17 games played with the Capitals this season.

"If you look at his underlying numbers, they're really, really solid," coach Spencer Carbery said. "When he's out on the ice, usually good things are happening for his line and for our team. He's playing well, and it goes unnoticed at times, but we certainly appreciate it and look at those things."

For Raddysh, his strong play has resulted in more opportunity, as he's spent a majority of the time on the top-6 in captain Alex Ovechkin's absence.

"When you get more ice time, it's obviously rewarding. It gives you some confidence... Whoever you're gonna play with on this team, you're gonna have success," Raddysh said. "It's nice to get out there with them and get some different looks."

It's not just offense that Raddysh has been providing; he's also taking good care of the puck, and maintaining possession and winning battles have also been a major part of his game with the Capitals.

"It's a big thing, especially just my role coming into this year. I feel like it was something I had to do," Raddysh said. "It's something that helps out the next line, helps out the team. We can all do it; when we have the puck, it's obviously an advantage for us."

Most importantly, though, Raddysh is just happy to be contributing to a winning culture, and said that he's been able to rediscover his joy for the game since arriving in the District.

"It's almost like fun back in the game. It's coming off the season we lose so many games, it's obviously frustrating," Raddysh said. "With the team and coming here with the group we have, I feel like we've all come together pretty quickly and gelled pretty well, and everyone's just having a great time and enjoying every day."

Overall, the Ontario native has been enjoying his tenure with Washington, and the feeling is mutual as he continues to make an impact.

"I'm loving it... I'm just lucky to have this opportunity," Raddysh said.