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Edmonton Oilers Would Be Wise to Go For Darren Raddysh

By Sammi Silber

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers still find themselves trying to improve after an outstanding 2016-17 campaign. One area where they could still find extra leverage is on defence.

With Kris Russell’s future up in the air, and the team still looking for depth on the right side, Edmonton should consider signing another defenceman. Perhaps it would be a better idea for them to find another up-and-coming blueliner, and one target is Darren Raddysh.

According to The Hockey News, Raddysh has a number of NHL suitors. With that being said, Edmonton would be wise to join the competition.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

The Erie Otters defender has grown greatly over his years in the OHL, and though undrafted, he has become one of the league’s most prominent players. He played with Connor McDavid earlier on, and has developed greatly since then.

In 62 games this season, Raddysh posted 16 goals and 81 points, and was a plus-62. Not only does he have puck-moving prowess, but he is an outstanding defenceman and someone who can play a solid game at both ends of the rink. In the playoffs, Raddysh averaged around a point per game en route to Erie’s championship.

Edmonton desperately needs a puck-moving defender, even though their shutdown d-corps helped greatly this season. Not to mention, they aren’t looking to pay too much. With someone like Raddysh, Edmonton would create more offence and also have better success at even strength and special teams.

Raddysh is an outstanding and effective skater, and also has an underrated shot. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defenceman has also put on a lot of size, growing two inches and gaining 35 pounds since 2012. Now, he is a physical presence and an even bigger and better defenceman than he was coming in.

Additionally, Raddysh shoots right, and though similar to Ethan Bear, one can argue he’s had more time to develop. That means that Raddysh could move up on the depth chart and give Bear even more of a chance to flourish.

Next: Edmonton Oilers Free Agent Tracker: Justin Williams

It seems that Raddysh has a lot of positive upside, and that he is a perfect fit for the Oilers. They should sign him before it’s too late.

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