Alexander Radulov's return

[SouthPride]

Poile: Radulov indicates interest in, opportunity to return to Predators | Nashville City Paper

(article from 2011)

He scored 44 goals and had 51 assists in two seasons for Nashville before before he bolted to the KHL. He was named that league’s most valuable player in 2010.

It was reported in October that Radulov signed a new three-year deal to remain in Russia.

“If Radulov came back here, would he be a benefit to our team?” Poile said. “Absolutely.”

Is Alexander Radulov final piece to a Stanley Cup for Predators? | Nashville City Paper

(Sunday, February 12, 2012 )

He’s certainly never been forgotten by the Nashville Predators. A first-round pick in the 2004 NHL draft who combines uncanny offensive ability and boundless emotion, he is — all at once — frustration and fantasy, pariah and possibility....

“He was put on a pedestal in Quebec City [where he played junior hockey] and was all-world as a junior — really, he was the best junior on the planet when he played there,” Predators coach Barry Trotz said. “When he came here it was a cultural adjustment for him, because all of the sudden he wasn’t the guy. He wasn’t the main guy, and as a young player you crave a lot of that attention."...

Typically, when the puck goes in the net, Radulov goes off. He celebrates in a manner that infuriates the opposition, entertains the fans and — sometimes — alienates his teammates. (hahahaha thats hilarious)...

They(Weber and Suter) are not just teammates, though. They are friends, and five years ago, their small circle included a third member — Radulov.

“We didn’t really have girlfriends or wives here, it was just fun,” Suter said. “When he was here, me, Webs and Rads hung out a lot. He was a fun guy to be around.”...

“They’ve been saying that the last three or four years,” Suter said. “You always hear ‘He could come back this year. His contract’s up.’ … It hasn’t happened yet. It’s one of those things that if it does happen it’s a bonus. If not, everything is normal.”

Great new article about him that just came out. Its kinda lengthy but definitely a good read and if the Preds did happen to get him back he would be an insanely important asset in their playoff run

 

[SouthPride]

The argument for his return is that if he comes back, according to the NHL rules and his contract (which was frozen after he had left) he could just play one game and leave for Russia or until the end of the year and be a RFA. He is somewhat of a pre madonna but maybe his relationship between Trotz, Webs and Sutes could be enough to pull him in for a season.

I wonder how his relations with Poile is tho. This is also Poiles vendetta to not pulling in a top 10 forward. time will only tell

 

[SouthPride]

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=53

 

[SouthPride]

With 15 healthy forwards, where would Radulov even fit in? | Section 303

Radulov’s presence on the third line would truly give Nashville four lines they could roll and be a threat to score at any given time. If their first round opponent puts their top defensive tandem up against the Fisher line, no problem, Legwand’s line can score. If they put their shutout down line up against Legwand’s line, no problem. Gaustad’s line can score. And with well-rounded players like Nick Spaling, Jordin Tootoo and Bourque on the fourth line, what will teams do when they take the ice?

 

[SouthPride]

I say we drop Tootoo, his production has been down as of late but a lot of real Preds fans will be very, very opposed to that. He's been a hard worker in the organization for awhile but we need everyone on the boat now, and if he's gotta take the bullet...he's gotta take the bullet. Radulov will make us Stanley Cup competitors and if you disagree go fuck yourself

 

[SouthPride]

and all these posts once again seem useless. No Radulov for us -

The KHL provides more drama on the Radulov front… | Section 303

The reason he can’t just up and leave in the middle of a contract this time is because the NHL and KHL signed an agreement that the two leagues would not poach each others players while they’re under contract. Ironically, that agreement was reached because of Radulov leaving in the first place.

Oh sweet irony how you toy with my emotions.

Its ok tho, were 2 points from catching the Wings who got spanked last night against Anaheim so things still looking pretty and sunny in the Nashville locker room