The Colorado Avalanche and Russian winger Alexander Radulov were in serious talks to bring the former Nashville Predator back to the U.S. for a second stint in the NHL. This past season Radulov played for CSKA Moskva of the KHL where he is now a free agent and was searching for the highest-paying suitor, be it in North America or Russia, but now a move to the NHL seems to be out of the question.
The Avs were one of only a few teams that Radulov himself deemed as a potential landing spot for his return to the NHL. That was until it was reported that there aren’t any teams willing to meet Radulov’s contract demands and that he will remain in the KHL for the foreseeable future.
According to Darren Dreger of TSN, Radulov was seeking a two-year deal worth $7.5 million each season. This amount is problematic for any NHL team, not because Radulov isn’t talented enough to receive that much money — he potentially could be — but rather because his behavior has been a red flag since his North American hockey career began.
The offer the Avalanche made Radulov has not been made public, but it has been reported that the Detroit Red Wings offered somewhere around $4.5 million for one year. This would likely be a bridge deal, allowing Radulov to prove himself as both an elite hockey player as well as a more mature version of his younger self, potentially setting up a bigger deal next offseason.
It would be safe to assume the Avalanche offered a similar deal, one that would ask Radulov to prove his value before earning the big pay day, but Radulov has no interest in small offers and wanted the pay day now.
Despite some reports, Radulov has yet to sign anywhere in the KHL, as the teams in Russia also believe his asking price is too high. The door on Radulov hasn’t been shut completely, but it seems as though the Avalanche will have to move on in search of other free agent targets.
As NHL free agency is set to open this coming weekend, we take a look at some of the available unrestricted free agents that would fit nicely in an Avalanche sweater now that Radulov appears to be out of the picture.
5. Troy Brouwer
Team: St. Louis Age: 30
Last Season Stats: 82 games played, 18 goals, 21 assists
The Avalanche could use some right winger depth for the upcoming season, considering that the only true right winger on the roster as of now is Jarome Iginla. Strengthening the right side forward depth is certainly important, but the versatility of guys like Matt Duchene and Blake Comeau, make the right wing void one to look at, but not panic over. Adding a guy like Troy Brouwer could certainly help, but at a reasonable price only.
Brouwer’s price tag may have been inflated during the past playoff run the Blues made, perhaps beyond what he is actually worth.
He’s physical, smart at moving without the puck and can certainly bring a veteran leadership to the dressing room. Brouwer could add scoring to the bottom portion of the depth chart and solid play on the defensive end as well, but it bears repeating, only for the right price.
