On Alexander Radulov …
Slava Malamud: Alexander Radulov confirms that he’ll play in the NHL next season.
Slava Malamud: The Russian National team forgives Radulov and will allow him to play in the World Championship.
Arthur Staple: The Islanders have zero interest in Radulov.
Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings are on Alexander Radulov’s short list of teams he’s interested in signing with. The Wings have spoken with his agent and are gathering info to determine if they should make an offer according to a source.
There are concerns about Radulov’s off-ice behaviour. They may have concerns if he’d have a negative effect in the dressing room, especially with their younger players.
The Wings may be thinking a short-term deal.
Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: Radulov is just as talented as any of the top UFAs this year – Kyle Okposo, Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson, Mikkel Boedker and Andrew Ladd. He’s capable of scoring 20-30 goals in the NHL and there will be a long list of teams willing to offer him a contract. Teams will have some concerns over Radulov’s baggage and if he’d be a distraction.
Teams that should or could have interest in Radulov: Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: At the 2009 draft, the Islanders selected John Tavares at No. 1, with the Lightning selecting Victor Hedman at No. 2. Then Lightning GM Brian Lawton had two plans: 1) draft Hedman at No. 2, or 2) trade some “established forwards” to move up to No. 1 and draft Tavares.
If Lawton were to have made that trade, it would have gave them Steven Stamkos and Hedman in back-to-back years.
Lawton said that Islanders GM Garth Snow didn’t want to trade the top pick.