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.
4. David Perron
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins/ Anaheim Ducks Age: 28
Last Season Stats: 71 games played, 12 goals, 24 assists
Most of David Perron’s upside comes in the offensive end. He has a gritty aspect to his game that the Avalanche could find appealing as he loves to spend time near the front of the net. Perron has a skilled set of hands, allowing him to be a solid finisher despite a decline in his statistics in recent seasons.
Entering his twelfth NHL season, Perron has found himself being a bit of a journeyman recently, playing for three teams in the last four seasons.
Battles with injuries and concussions have kept Perron from reaching his maximum potential, but could also be a reason the Avalanche could sign him at a decent price.
Perron’s veteran presence and ability to make plays around the net could help Colorado with its offensive issues without having to break the bank as they would have with Radulov.
Perron’s last contract was a four-year $15.25 million deal ($3,812,500 per year).
3. Kyle Okposo
Team: New York Islanders Age: 28
Last Season Stats: 79 games played, 22 goals, 42 assists
With his offensive capabilities, Kyle Okposo has to be one of the most sought after free agents of this offseason. Adding a player like this to the Avalanche would certainly improve goal scoring and overall firepower, adding skill to a top six that is already filled with talent.
Okposo’s career high for goals in a season is at 27, but a change of scenery and a supporting cast more suited to his style could help the Minnesota native reach his first 30-goal season.
Kyle Okposo is often criticized for his play on the defensive end of the ice, and in Colorado, that is something they are trying to avoid. An unrestricted free agent like Okposo doesn’t come around all that often, however, and adding a player of this caliber puts any team closer to championship contention.
Okposo is due for a big pay day this offseason. Last year he made $4.5 million, but only counted for $2.8 million against the Islanders’ cap.
2. Luke Schenn
Team: Philadelphia Flyers/ L.A. Kings Age: 26
Last Season Stats: 72 games player, 4 goals, 12 assists
Luke Schenn would be an ideal fit in Colorado due to the Avalanche’s need for right-handed defensemen, especially one that would fit the third pairing. Schenn fits both descriptions and also plays a solid, physical defensive game that the Avalanche have lacked in recent years.
Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie will likely be the first and second pairing right-handed defensemen once the season opener comes. Adding Luke Schenn to the third pairing would add a gritty shot-blocker who’s not afraid to play a tough game and would solidify the right side of the defensive core.
The Kings are looking to clear out a lot of space on their roster and Luke Schenn doesn’t seem to be in their plans. Schenn’s contract counted for $3.6 million against the cap last season, a similar deal would be reasonable for Colorado and could land the Avs the exact piece they are looking for.
1. Mikkel Boedker/ Shawn Matthias
Both Mikkel Boedker and Shawn Matthias were acquired by Colorado around the trade deadline this past season. Now that Alexander Radulov is out of the picture, the Avalanche should focus on bringing both free agents back.
Boedker should be a priority for the Avalanche considering the way we saw him play alongside Nathan MacKinnnon. Due to MacKinnon’s knee injury at the end of the season, the two only got a brief time to skate together, but when they did, their speed was too much for opponents to handle. We know what Boedker has to offer, and we know the attitude he brings. Another season with the Avs could find Boedker achieving his first 20-goal season of his, soon to be, nine-year career.
Shawn Matthias also fit in well in his 20 games played for the Colorado Avalanche. His willingness to use his body shielding the puck, planting himself in front of the net and digging the puck out of dirty areas make Matthias someone the Avalanche should also prioritize considering what is available in the free agent market.
Signing both Boedker and Matthias would allow the Avalanche to continue building off of what they had at the end of last season without too much risk or unknowns involved.
In their short time spent in Colorado last season, both were able to make a clear impact and show potential. Coming to a contract agreement with both should be at the top of Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy‘s to do list.