After speculation of a possible NHL return, Alexander Radulov will be staying in Russia inking a deal with the KHL’s Salavat – according to Elliotte Friedman.
Friedman explained that no NHL team was willing to pay the 29-year-old forward his asking price and because of that he’ll continue his career overseas.
However, conflicting reports are surfacing that Salavat hasn’t confirmed any signing. In fact, according to Slava Malamud is reporting that even the KHL franchise can’t afford to pay Radulov his asking price.
Radulov hasn't & probably won't sign with Salavat, says his agent. Salavat front office says they can't afford him. Who can, at this point?
— Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) June 26, 2016
Radulov hasn’t played in the NHL since 2011-12 with the Nashville Predators. His return was short-lived as well – playing just nine regular season games and eight playoff games before returning to the KHL.
A former first-round pick of the Predators (15th overall in 2004), Radulov’s played 154 regular season games with Nashville amassing 102 points (47g-55a) over that span. A polarizing player, he left twice for the KHL where he’s continued to excel.
In five seasons in the KHL – split between Salavat Yulayev Ufa and CSKA Moscow – Radulov has eclipsed the point-per-game plateau with 322 regular season points (113g-209a) in 258 games. On top of that, he’s added 52 points (12g-40a) in 56 career KHL playoff games.
While he won’t be back in the NHL in the near future, Radulov will have to drop his asking price if he hopes to make a return to the NHL before the end of his career.
Andrew is in his 8th year reporting for The Hockey Writers covering the Toronto Maple Leafs. He began his broadcasting with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada team as well as being part of their coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. He’s the former play-by-play voice of the London Jr. Knights for Rogers TV and currently hosts the Sticks in the 6ix podcast. You can follow him on Twitter at @AndrewGForbes.
