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Raddysh seeks NHL contract after strong Memorial Cup showing

Dennis Pajot / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Darren Raddysh is ready to put pen to paper.

The 21-year-old Erie Otters defenseman wrapped up his junior career Sunday as his team fell to the Windsor Spitfires in the Memorial Cup final.

While the loss ended his season on a low note, it was an overall impressive campaign for the Ontario Hockey League overager, who was recognized this season with the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's defenseman of the year.

Finishing the year with 81 points in 62 games, Raddysh ranked third in Otters scoring, while his offensive production from the point led all OHL defensemen.

That sort of ability could help the undrafted Raddysh draw interest from NHL suitors. Scouts were no doubt on hand to take in his performance at the Memorial Cup, where he led all defensemen with three goals and five assists in five games. It was a continuation of Raddysh's play throughout the OHL playoffs, where he recorded 22 points in as many contests.

Still, the fact the high-flying Raddysh has not yet become property of an NHL squad is a curiosity to his coach, Kris Knoblauch.

"He's had a great playoff run and it's hard watching it because here's a guy that has done pretty much everything he can do and he hasn't gotten that contract," the Otters bench boss told Jim Parker of the Windsor Star.

Raddysh, whose brother Taylor plays wing for the Otters and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning last year, is taking it all in stride, notably after previous camp tryouts with the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks left him on the outside of the NHL.

With the season now behind him and his future still unclear, Raddysh is out to realize his NHL dream.

"I take not getting drafted and roll with it," Raddysh told Kyle Cicerella of The Hamilton Spectator. "I look at this year like another draft year."

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