4:45 PM:
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Radulov’s return to Nashville is conditioned on him returning to the KHL next year (from Medvedev via @plysenkov). He was allowed to buy out this year only with condition he’d be back. If not, he’d have to pay 2/3 of next years back. Radulov’s KHL salary for next year would be for around $5 million. KHL president Medvedev also implied that SKA will try to buy Radulov’s and Evgeni Kuznetsov’s rights. In response to my question to be clear, Chesnokov said that Radulov can re-sign with the Predators after the season, but has pay the 2/3rds back.
2:50 PM:
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Predators GM David Poile on Alexander Radulov:
“We’ve been in contact with Jay Grossman, Alex’s agent, throughout process of trying to return Alex to NSH and NHL.”
“Though the complicated process has yet to be concluded, every indication is Alex will be returning to NSH in near future.”
No updates are expected until tomorrow until at the earliest.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov wonders how Radulov was able to get out of his contract. He’s re-read the KHL rules and it looks impossible legally. Article 30 (7) – “No player can terminate contract from the start of playoffs until April 30.” Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun responds to Chesnokov that “no player under NHL contract is supposed to bolt to another league either.” Slava Malamud via twitter: Malamud notes that if KHL president Medvedev allowed Salavat to “skirt KHL rules,” may expect to see a favor back to SKA, possibly trading Radulov to SKA. One possibility could be the Radulov is traded to SKA, then signing Capitals prospect Evgeni Kuznetsov, with SKA promising not to go after Kuznetsov. Shawn Simpson via twitter: Simpson spoke with Val Kamesky. Radulov is heading to Nashville for this season, but must return to Ufa next year. Slava Malamud via twitter: Radulov return to the Predators won’t set a precedent as it’s a unique case in that he left before the KHL-NHL had an agreement with contract.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Mikko Koivu practiced yesterday and is listed as day-to-day. Niklas Backstrom’s groin injury is almost back to normal. Center Matt Cullen is expected back in the lineup against the Canucks.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings forward Darren Helm will be out 4-6 weeks with a 2nd degree MCL sprain.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller said that Joni Pitkanen could return to the lineup on Wednesday.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars Sheldon Souray and Radek Dvorak are probable for Tuesday.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom did a few drills today at practice. It’s the most he’s done since his ankle injury.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Devils center Travis Zajac was on the ice this morning, but is not expected to play tonight.
- Chris Johnston via twitter: The Lightning have signed Sebastien Caron, who’ll have to clear waivers.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik Dubinsky-Stepan-Callahan Zuccarello-Boyle-Mitchell Rupp-Fedotenko-Prust.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Johan Franzen will be out of the Red Wings lineup tonight. Jimmy Howard will start in net.
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks forward Mason Raymond will be a healthy scratch. Alex Burrows will be back with the Sedin twins. Manny Malhotra is back in. Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks.
- Dave Lozo via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers.