Will the Tampa Bay Lightning Be Able to Keep Defenseman Darren Raddysh?
As July 1st approaches, when defenseman Darren Raddysh could become an unrestricted free agent, his future with the Tampa Bay Lightning remains uncertain. Journalist Dave Pagnotta of “The Fourth Period” discussed this issue on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio, highlighting Raddysh’s significant growth in recent seasons, particularly in his offensive game.
Pagnotta emphasized that Raddysh is set to receive a substantial and well-deserved salary increase on his next contract. It is anticipated that if he enters the free agent market, he will be among the most sought-after defensemen. Potential salary figures are under discussion, and while a contract similar to JJ Moser’s (8 years, $6.75 million AAV) appears unrealistic for Tampa, the club is continuing negotiations.
For the Lightning, a more palatable annual average value (AAV) for a long-term deal might fall in the range of $4.5–5 million per year. Historically, General Manager Julien BriseBois maintains a specific price point for players, and if an individual does not fit within the budget, they may depart the team. However, Raddysh has excelled within Jon Cooper’s system, raising the question of whether he can sustain the same level of performance with another team.
Raddysh is concluding a two-year contract with an AAV of $975,000, which means his next contract will represent a considerable bump in pay, even with the projected rise in the salary cap.
