On Alexander Radulov …
Slava Malamud: Radulov’s agent has said that they are looking for a five or six year contract. They would consider less term if a team offers “so much money that 3 years would be enough.”
Slava Malamud: There are really only five KHL teams that would have the money to offer Radulov if he were to go back. He’d never go to CSKA – SKA Ufa, Magnitka and Ak Bars are the other teams.
Slava Malamud: Radulov has made it clear that he likes playing in Montreal, but the money and term are more important. The ball is in the Canadiens court.
Slava Malamud: “From Radulov’s standpoint, he did his part. Left money on the table in KHL, proved himself, behaved, earned a new big deal. Time to pony up”
Yesterday on Radulov ..
Slava Malamud: Only confirmation that has on Radulov is that he isn’t considering a return to the KHL at this time.
Slava Malamud: There were two KHL teams that were in the running for Radulov, but he wouldn’t return for anything less than $7 million a season, and those two KHL teams aren’t willing to give him that much.
On the Dallas Stars …
John Shannon: Sounding like the Stars are looking for a top-six winger and have the cap space. They are still targeting Patrick Marleau and Alex Radulov.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Stars added free agent center Martin Hanzal and winger Tyler Pitlick yesterday. Jason Spezza has played a bit of right wing, so having Spezza on the wing with left handed Hanzal is an option.
The Stars could continue to look for a winger like Alexander Radulov, or they could go to camp with what they have, which GM Jim Nill is fine with.
“If we have to start the season where we are, we’re comfortable with that,” Nill said. “We have a lot of players that are versatile that we can put on the wings with our strength down the middle. We are satisfied there. We’re still in the market looking at some players. If they happen, great, it’s a bonus for us. If it doesn’t, we’re happy starting the way we are.”