In a recent move, the Tampa Bay Lightning have decided to recall defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Syracuse Crunch, their American Hockey League affiliate. The decision comes just as the team is preparing for the upcoming playoffs, and Raddysh is expected to add depth to the defensive line-up. This article will explore the Lightning’s reasoning behind the decision and what fans can expect from Raddysh as he makes his return to the NHL.
Call-Up: Tampa Bay Lightning Recall Darren Raddysh
The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a move to bolster their defense, recalling Darren Raddysh from their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. The 25-year-old defenseman is expected to add depth to the Lightning blue line and provide some relief for the team’s top-four.
Who is Darren Raddysh?
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Raddysh went undrafted in the NHL and signed with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL in 2017. After two seasons with the IceHogs, he was picked up by the Syracuse Crunch, where he has spent the majority of his time developing his game.
Raddysh is known for his physicality and shutdown abilities as a defenseman. In 284 career AHL games, he has recorded 81 points (18 goals, 63 assists) and 256 penalty minutes. He also had a successful junior career with the Erie Otters in the OHL, where he recorded 154 points (37 goals, 117 assists) in 268 games.
Why was he recalled?
With injuries to key defenseman Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh, the Lightning have been relying heavily on their top-four defensemen to carry the load. Raddysh’s recall provides some much-needed insurance and depth to the blue line, especially with Kevin Shattenkirk and Jan Rutta also dealing with injuries.
In his first game with the Lightning, Raddysh logged 13:34 of ice time and recorded one blocked shot in a 4-2 loss to the Florida Panthers. While he wasn’t a standout player in his debut, he did show some promising signs and seems to be adjusting well to the NHL game.
What does this mean for the Lightning?
Raddysh’s recall is an indication that the Lightning are taking the injury situation seriously and are willing to make moves to address the team’s needs. With the team’s recent struggles, every player on the roster will need to step up and contribute in any way they can to help turn things around.
The addition of Raddysh to the roster not only adds depth to the blue line but also puts pressure on the team’s defensemen to perform at their best. Raddysh will be pushing for a regular spot in the lineup, which could lead to healthy competition and better performance from the team as a whole.
Conclusion
Overall, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s recall of Darren Raddysh is a smart move that addresses the team’s current needs. His addition to the blue line provides some much-needed depth and insurance, while also pushing the team’s defensemen to perform at their best.
As the season continues, it will be interesting to see how Raddysh performs and how he fits into the team’s overall strategy. If he can continue to develop his game and contribute on both ends of the ice, he could become an important part of the Lightning’s playoff push.
