Rumor: The Avalanche may be pursuing KHL star Alexander Radulov

In a recent article by the Denver Post’s Mike Chambers profiling the Colorado Avalanches possible pursuit of SEL leading scorer Derek Ryan, he dropped an interesting tidbit about a move which would make a big impact if it came into fruition, stating “I do believe the Avs are trying to sign/have signed Russian F Alexander Radulov.”

For those not familiar with Radulov, he’s one of the KHL’s best players. A dynamic goal scorer, who’s produced at an over a point-per-game. Radulov could make a serious impact with the Avalanche and would immediately slot into their top-six should he come back to the NHL.

Chambers followed up with Avs Vice President Jean Martineau, but he told The Post, “Those are only speculations.”

Radulov initially started his career in the NHL with the Nashville Predators, but after two seasons, he jetted for the KHL in 2008. After a successful go around in Russia, he returned to the NHL in 2011-2012 with the Predators, but infamously broke curfew with the team during the playoffs and both him and Kotstitsyn were suspended by the team.

David Poile said of the incident:

“What they did was unacceptable and the coaches and myself had to come to the plate and do the right thing for the team. It happened. It’s really unfortunate. It’s selfish behaviour and we’ll just have to leave it at that.”

Should he return to the NHL, he’ll be under the microscope. He’s gotten in trouble in the past, and if it happens again, it might be his last go in the NHL.

If the Avs do sign Radulov, it will be interesting to see what corresponding moves come from it. There’s been rumors persisting all offseason about the team possibly moving Ryan O’Reilly – and his one-year $6 million deal – for defensive help, and Radulov would slot in O’Reilly’s former spot should they make that move.

I’d love to see Radulov come back to the NHL. He’s never reached his full potential in North America, and given the right role, he could be one hell of a player.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com

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