You gotta love the off-season, four days after the Predator’s season ends, just like summer follows spring… the Alexander Radulov, "will he or won’t he" debate returns. If this stuff keeps up, you will start mentioning A-Rad’s name along with Brett Favre when discussing indecision. That being said, Radulov is a special player, and he has improved his game since leaving the NHL. He has won the KHL championship and been named the MVP of the league.
So, let’s look at this… does Radulov fill the need for the Nashville Predators for the sniper they so desperately need? Is there a real possibility for the return of the Prodigal Pred? And more importantly… Has Radulov matured… or should the current captain worry about being concussed during a wild goal celebration?
Alexander Radulov left Nashville after a breakout campaign in ‘07-‘08, scoring 26 goals and adding 32 assists. He then broke his contract and dashed for the cash in the KHL. I suppose that is understandable, I can’t say that I wouldn’t run for a rival blog site for millions a year (ummm… in case that offer is coming, you can contact me at
[email protected], any seven digit offer considered.) I do have a small problem with him breaking his contract, not living up to your commitments is a character issue, but, I can let bygones be bygones. The issue in the KHL, being very well reported by Dmitry Chesnokov in Puck Daddy, may be the same money he left for.
The Nashville Predators have been very clear, Radulov will return to Nashville to play out his rookie contract if he wants any chance of returning to the NHL. That would give the team an opportunity to either sign him for a few years, or get maximum trade value for him should it not work out. That is where the maturity issue comes in. If Radulov comes back and is a solid citizen, his options open up across the league. If he returns as a petulant child, his options will be limited from a NHL perspective.
It seems to be a no-lose situation for Nashville GM David Poile. The normal summertime dance in Nashville begins. Adding the Prodigal Pred back to the fold would be the impact move of the year, especially considering the upcoming free agent season that is short of impact players.
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A personal aside… I want to send out my congratulations to my son Zack. He graduates Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University today. I’m so incredibly proud of his hard work and his commitment to his craft. He, along with his brother and sister bring so much joy to our lives. I truly can’t wait to see what he does next.
Go after your dreams son… Mom and I have your back!
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Random Notes
- Wow… the same folks who were reporting that the Phoenix Coyotes were moving to Winnipeg the day after their playoffs were done (ummm… wondering where that one went) are now saying it’s guaranteed, the Atlanta Thrashers are now going… and even funnier, complaining that Gary Bettman is holding the mainstream hockey media accountable for their mis-steps. Stephen Brunt in today’s Globe and Mail complains about the situation in Phoenix (not taking any accountability for his part in spinning up the story) and then complains that Bettman won’t confirm the move of the Thrashers. Look, the messaging from the NHL hasn’t been great, but the mainstream hockey media has been downright irresponsible in their reporting.
- The death of Derek Boogaard has shook the hockey world. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of sadness.
- The Conference Finals start tonight. Tampa Bay has struggled against Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas all year, but this is a different Lightning team.
- The key to tonight’s game is how each team handles the long layoff. Boston has gone seven days between games, Tampa, nine.
- Finland and Sweden will face off in the IIHF World Championship tomorrow. Coverage will be on Versus.
- On the prediction front, the Eastern conference seems to be driving a split in the media, about 50/50 calling for each team. The Western Conference are driving the same sort of split… my call? Lighting in six, Canucks in five.
- Today’s playoff schedule – Tampa Bay @ Boston – Game 1 – 7pm CDT (Versus, CBC)
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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!
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