While many have taken notice of how much of an impact Alexander Radulov has had with the Canadiens on the ice, he has also been a major positive in the dressing room, writes Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon.
In what many termed one of the riskier deals of the offseason, GM Marc Bergevin inked Radulov, who hadn’t played in the NHL since 2012, to a one year, $5.75MM contract. The perception was that he wasn’t a great teammate with some attitude problems, a reputation he started to garner in his time with Nashville.
Instead, he has become one of Montreal’s more dominant forwards, posting 35 points (10-25-35) in 46 games to sit second in scoring behind captain Max Pacioretty. Several teammates have also lauded his enthusiasm on and off the ice, praising his ability to be a leader on the team despite it being his first year with the team.
Last summer, some questioned the decision to sign him. Now, the question has turned to how much will it be to keep him?
More out of Montreal:
- Defenseman Nathan Beaulieu went into last offseason knowing other teams were calling about him and vowed to get in the best physical condition of his career. As Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette writes, he has been rewarded with a career year so far, collecting 17 points in 42 games while averaging nearly three minutes per night more than last season at a touch over 20 minutes per night. The timing couldn’t be any better for him as second half that’s comparable to his first half should have him in line for a healthy raise as a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights this July.
- Despite just returning to the lineup, center Alex Galchenyuk will not suit up tomorrow night against the Flames, the team announced via Twitter. The 22 year old slightly re-aggravated his previously-injured knee on Saturday night against Buffalo although he didn’t leave at any time due to the injury. The Canadiens noted (Twitter link) that he is listed as day-to-day. Galchenyuk sits fifth in team scoring despite already missing 18 games because of that knee injury with 27 points in 30 games.
I love having Radulov in Montreal but extending him will be very tricky. Pacioretty (2019) and Price(2018) both have expiring contracts soon. Radulov will also be 31 this July. He isn’t exactly a fast skater as it is and is prone to taking a lot of offensive zone penalties(15 of his 19 minors have been in the offensive zone).
With the NHL putting a huge emphasis on speed, investing a ton of money long term into Radulov may not make much sense. I’d be comfortable slightly overpaying him for 3 years, covering his age 31-33 seasons than giving him fair market for 5 years. Plus, a 3 year deal covers the Habs window for contending before the inevitable rebuild has to take place.