NHL Free Agents: Alexander Radulov – Rumors, Best Fits
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Free Agents Alexander Radulov: Latest Rumors, FA Profile, 5 Best Fits
An unlikely name surfaced among NHL free agents over the past couple of months. We had rumblings for months, but Russian forward Alexander Radulov made his NHL return intentions official recently.
It’s still unclear how many teams might be interested (if any), and an even bigger question mark surrounds term/salary for a player best described as a flight risk (who knows when he decides to bolt back to the KHL).
In this writer’s personal opinion, the Russian forward isn’t worth the potential headache.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Unless it’s an affordable one-year contract – but even then, you need to worry about character concerns. Buyer beware on this one.
Alex Radulov made the jump to North America in ’04-’05 joining QMJHL Quebec after being selected 15th overall by Nashville back in 2004.
He spent the next two seasons in the Q before making his NHL debut in ’06-’07.
He spent some time in AHL Milwaukee during his rookie season, but collected 37 points in 64 games with Nashville.
A year later, Radulov posted 56 points in 80 games for the Predators before fleeing for Russia.
Alexander Radulov made one more NHL appearance during the Preds playoff run in 2012, but found himself in trouble with one of the Kostitsyn brothers after breaking curfew.
Over his short NHL career, Radulov had 47 goals, 55 assists (102 points) in 154 regular season games.
He also had six goals, eight assists (14 points) in 18 postseason contests.
His time in the KHL was split between Salavat Yulaev Ufa (’08-’12) and CSKA Moskva (’12-’16).
Radulov’s KHL career fared much more productive with 169 goals, 323 assists (492 points) in 391 regular season games. He also tallied 89 points in 92 playoff contests.
Alexander Radulov’s Resume:
– Team Russia Juniors: U18 (’04), U20 (’05 and ’06)
– Memorial Cup Champion and MVP (’06)
– Four World Hockey Championships (’08, ’09, ’11, ’13)
– Two Olympic Appearances (’10 and ’14)
– NHL YoungStars Roster at the 2006-07 All-Star Game
– Seven KHL All-Star Game Appearances
NHL Free Agents: Alexander Radulov Rumors/Speculation
More from Free Agency
- NHL free agents could still get contracts or camp invites
- Why any NHL team would be lucky to add Phil Kessel to their roster
- The New York Islanders made the right move extending Ilya Sorokin
- 2022-23 Recap Weaknesses and UFA Focused: Buffalo Sabres
- Arizona Coyotes Team Additions For 2022-23
Igor Eronko: North American source saying that the Capitals are not in the mix for Alexander Radulov.
Elliotte Friedman: “I think Florida is in there. I think Detroit is in there. I told you that I heard Washington – they denied it. Everybody has always linked them with Colorado. I can tell you that somebody said to me — and he’s pretty trustworthy — has said it’s not Colorado. But the rumor has stayed there.
George Richards: After the addition of Jared McCann, sounding like the Panthers are out on Alexander Radulov.
NBCSports: The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly interested in possibly bringing Alexander Radulov back to the NHL … on a short-term, one-year contract, according to MLive.com.
Related Story: NHL Mock Draft 6.0: 7 Rounds of Prospect Analysis
Potential Contract for Alexander Radulov
There is zero chance he earns a contract with any lengthy term given his propensity for fleeing. Expect a one or two-year deal at most. Given his offensive skill-set, a team out there will likely take a chance.
Radulov could earn anywhere between $3 to $5 million dollars (educated guess) on a one-year deal. If the 29-year-old can prove a productive NHLer still, Alex could be in line for a big pay raise next summer.
Next: NHL Weekly Roundup: Latest News and Rumors
5 Best Fits
Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders