It’s back to the KHL for Alexander Radulov, or at least that is what appears to be the meaning behind a tweet from last night. Ak Bars Kazan tweeted “What’s in the transfer news?” along with a video clip suggesting that Radulov has signed, and several other reports surfaced that it will be a two-year deal.
Importantly though, nothing has been officially announced at this point and Radulov’s name does not appear in Wednesday’s transfer news. A return to the KHL for the 35-year-old forward certainly would make sense as Radulov’s role with the Dallas Stars was diminished greatly this season, to the point where he barely averaged over 14 minutes a night. The big winger had just four goals and 22 points in 71 games and will be 36 by the time next season begins. If it is the end of his NHL career, he’ll finish with 524 regular season games, 368 points, and the one run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
- Another name that could be heading overseas is Nic Petan, who Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK TV reports is in talks with Omsk Avangard. There’s no deal in place, but Petan trying his hand somewhere else would also make sense. The 27-year-old forward has bounced around the last few years and still can’t seem to find a fit at the NHL level, despite outstanding numbers in the minor leagues. In 18 games this season for the Vancouver Canucks, he failed to score a single goal and recorded just two points. (UPDATE: Irfaan Gaffar of The Fourth Period disagrees with Dhaliwal’s report, indicating that there has not been any talks between Petan and a KHL club).
- Eddie Pasquale, who recently served as one of the goaltenders for Team Canada at the Olympics, is staying in the KHL but with a new team. The veteran netminder saw his contract terminated with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, only to sign a new deal with Metallurg Magnitogorsk that will run through 2022-23. Pasquale last appeared in North America during the 2018-19 season, wen he saw three NHL games for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Rads was awesome in his prime. Such a shame he had all those issues in Nashville. All the best to a great dude and players.
Maybe Radulov and Pasquale can try some of that tasty polonium…perhaps Petan will join them.
Why are these players signing in Russia? I know they need a paycheck, but seriously. Talk about being on the wrong side of history. (Not Radulov, the North Americans and other Europeans, I mean.)
Do you happen to watch the NBA, own any electronics (or tons of other goods) made in China? Nike gear by chance?
I understand what you’re saying, but they are trying to make a move to do the thing they’ve put their whole lives into, not make a political statement.
And I wouldn’t either, but it is easy to say that when I don’t have the opportunity to keep my dream alive like these guys have.