Radulov's second season in Dallas was nearly a carbon copy of his first. Despite playing 12 fewer games, he repeated his 72-point output, swapping two helpers for two goals, and his power-play production was also an exact match. The 33-year-old continues to show good chemistry with Tyler Seguin on the Stars' top unit, with his sniper's instincts meshing well with Seguin's all-around offensive game. Radulov has also somewhat surprisingly become an asset in his own end of the ice, blocking 83 shots and compiling a plus-22 rating, both career highs. Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry were added this offseason to bolster the Stars' top six, but Radulov will remain a key part of the team's attack.
Radulov's five-year, $31.25 million contract looks like a solid investment after the 32-year-old put together his best season yet in the NHL in 2017-18. Skating on the top line alongside the dynamic duo of Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, Radulov recorded career highs in goals, assists, shots and power-play production, and he showed more willingness to get involved defensively, blocking a career-best 64 shots. The Russian's newfound commitment to being a model teammate was even rewarded when he was named an alternate captain by the Stars, as he wiped away memories of his ugly departure from Nashville. Still possessing the soft hands and instinct for open ice that always made him such a dangerous sniper, Radulov should remain a key part of the Dallas offense.
Radulov was a low-risk gamble that paid off handsomely for Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin. While his reputation as an immature player and polarizing teammate was well documented, Radulov became a model citizen and a fan favorite in Montreal thanks to his gap-toothed smile, skills and work ethic. He immediately developed chemistry with whomever he skated, eventually establishing himself on the top line with Max Pacioretty. Radulov finished second on the team with 54 points and first with 36 assists. After proving himself on a one-year, make-good deal, he became a highly sought after free agent. Montreal tried to lure him back, but the Russian forward opted to sign with the Stars, whose offer carried an additional year and presented a better tax situation. Radulov joins a more offensively gifted Dallas team that made serious offseason moves with hopes of climbing back up the Western Conference ranks.
Radulov, an overseas star with NHL experience on his resume, comes back to the North America after spending several seasons in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League. He had 65 points in 53 games for CSKA Moscow last year and has averaged more than a point per game in the KHL (581 points in 483 games). Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin, recognizing his team’s need for scoring, beat out several other franchises in the bidding war to bring Radulov back to North America, signing him to a one-year deal for $5.75 million. Bergevin reached out for several opinions, including that of the recently acquired Shea Weber, who played with Radulov in Nashville. The consensus is that while the Russian made some mistakes when younger, it was more about his immaturity than any lingering character issue. Today, Radulov is a 29-year-old father who’s in a different place in his career. Bergevin has to be hoping this gamble pays off better than his recent string of additions – we all remember the ill-fated additions of Daniel Briere, P.A. Parenteau, Zack Kassian and Alexander Semin. Radulov is a far better player than that crew and will provide the Habs with a much-needed offensive boost in the top-six ranks.
Signed a four-year deal with CSKA Moscow of the KHL in July 2012.
Radulov is not expected to rejoin the Predators this season. Although technically still under contract with Nashville, he is expected to satisfy the final year of a three-year contract playing for Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL.
Radulov has been the center of one of the larger off-season stories during the summer. With years remaining on his contract with Nashville, Radulov signed a lucrative, multi-year contract with a Russian team in the KHL. The contract dispute that has followed is one for the NHL history books. There are rumors that Radulov could return to Nashville this season, but that remains to be seen. If he does, his fantasy value is very clouded since it's not clear what his attitude and role with the team might be. Radulov could also end up being trade bait, so the discriminating fantasy hockey manager may want to steer clear of Radulov until his situation settles down a bit.
Radulov is an impact offensive player with a remarkable nose for the net. In 64 games with Nashville this past season he had 18 goals and 37 points. Radulov's numbers could rise this season, similar to the way Thomas Vanek's numbers rose last year with Buffalo, and he could very easily end up with 40 goals and 70 points in 2007-08. He is one of the most dynamic offensive prospects in the league and he must be drafted in all leagues this season.
If there’s one name to remember entering the Preds’ camp this season it’s Alexander Radulov. The first round 2004 draft pick has the talent to make the jump to the NHL this season. The 6’-1”, 186 pound sniper ran away with all kinds of hardware last season while with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. Radulov rang-up 61 goals, 91 assists and a mind-boggling 152 points in 62 games last season. With the departure of a handful of players in the off-season, the Predators have opened the door for Radulov to make the jump this season.
2004's first round pick is the prototypical Russian 'natural goal scorer', with a nose for the puck and the back of the net. Despite a good showing in camp he's probably a couple of years away from the NHL, but expect him to explode once he gets sent back for his final year of junior hockey.
