Canadiens Rumor: Reportedly Sign Radulov
The Canadiens have been linked to every big name free agent available and have reportedly signed KHL superstar Radulov.
It’s been a roller coaster week for Canadiens fans. The team dealt fan favorite P.K. Subban to Nashville for Shea Weber and the team also dealt Lars Eller while also acquiring Andrew Shaw.
The team still had questions regarding the 2nd line as they head into free agency. Well, it seems the Canadiens are primed to add some scoring and fill a void on that 2nd line as they have reportedly agreed to a deal with KHL superstar Alexander Radulov.
Since the news broke, Sportsnet’s Eric Engels has been working hard to get confirmation.
Radulov: 65 points in 53 games last year, 71 in 46 the year before. Still no confirmation he's done to Habs.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 1, 2016
Still no confirmation on Radulov. People can joke all they want about character. Habs fans begging for a top six forward, he's top-3.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 1, 2016
Spoke with Montreal Canadiens PR. They are not confirming Radulov signing at this point.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 1, 2016
I have two sources telling me Radulov is in fact going to Montreal. No details on term, or AAV. Still not at 100% on this.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 1, 2016
It was reported earlier this month that Radulov was seeking a two year, $14 million contract. However, it appears as though that Radulov will be getting a 1 year contract in the $5 million range.
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If the Canadiens are able to land Radulov for around $5 million, that is a great deal for the team. Radulov has had issues in the past but you cannot deny the amount of skill he possesses.
In 154 NHL games, Radulov has posted 102 points. Radulov has done most of his damage in the KHL, where he is 2nd all time in points with 492 points in 391 games. Additionally, Radulov has posted 14 points in 18 NHL playoff games and 83 points in 86 KHL playoff games.
Radulov has widely been considered the best player not in the NHL for several years now. He was also considered the 2nd most skilled forward available behind Steven Stamkos.
Adding a player like Radulov opens a lot of flexibility for the Canadiens forward group. Radulov can easily flex in on the top line or he can just as easily settle in as a 2nd line option.
Next: Canadiens Trade PK Subban For Shea Weber
In terms of his fit, Michel Therrien and the Canadiens may end up putting Radulov on the top line next to Pacioretty and Galchenyuk. This would put Gallagher next to Plekanec in order to continue playing Plekanec tough minutes against opposing top lines.
Regardless of how you view Radulov as a person, the player is highly skilled and a proven performer at both the NHL and KHL levels. At 29, Radulov is still in the middle of his prime and if he is able to put his vast skill set on display in Montreal, he could quickly shed the “character issues” stigma and become a cult favorite like fellow Russian Alex Kovalev.
***UPDATE***
The Canadiens have officially announced the signing of Radulov to a 1 year contract worth $5.75 million. This is a medium risk, high reward deal for the Canadiens and one the team had to make.
With depth offence proving to be a major weakness last season, adding arguably the most talented free agent available is quite the addition. Bergevin may face criticism for paying nearly $ million for him but Radulov has done nothing except score throughout his career. He also reportedly turned down multi-year offers in order to come back to Quebec.
Canadiens fans idolized Alex Kovalev several years ago and if Radulov is able to become an offensive force for the Canadiens, he’ll join his fellow Russian on that level.