The instant general manager Marc Bergevin signed Alexander Radulov to a one-year, $5.75 million contract, Habs fans began questioning which version of the enigmatic Russian they’ll pay to watch during the 2016-2017 season. Many immediately drew contrasts between the 29-year-old (who turns 30 tomorrow) and last year’s failed experiment in Alexander Semin while others chose to compare Radulov to Alex Kovalev. Either way, all three of the Alex’s undoubtedly had talent and skills that translated into on-ice success, despite what might have otherwise been going on in their heads. Their character has been understandably doubted countless times, but the kind of consistency that Radulov demonstrated in recent years leads me to believe that the Montreal Canadiens have done well in bringing him on board.
It’s clear that Bergevin did his homework before approaching the KHL superstar’s camp about a return to the National Hockey League. As you’ve all heard by now, the playmaker with sniping capabilities had a reputation for being hotheaded and a bit of a reckless party animal. Moreover, he was known to avoid back-checking duties as often as possible. However, upon discussing the risks involved with taking a gamble on Radulov, CSKA Moscow GM Sergei Fedorov told Bergevin that he’s gained the respect of his teammates as captain:
Bergevin a consulté Shea Weber et Sergei Fedorov à propos de Radulov. «Sergei m’a dit qu’il est un de ses leaders, c’est son capitaine.»
In all, it seems like the move is the appropriate one- the perfect gamble on a player who claims that he’s matured:
“I made a mistake,” said Radulov. “I’m not trying to say I wasn’t doing it or it wasn’t my mistake. Yes, I did it, and it’s real life. Time goes by and you look [back] at some of those things, what you should’ve done, what you should’ve not done and you realize some things.
“I completely know what I’m doing right now and I know what I want and I know how to do this. You have to be more on the hockey, work hard and be ready for everything.”
Thankfully, over the course of the last few years, his work ethic has not come into question and his offensive production has been impressive:
There’s no doubt that he will be the perfect fit on the team’s top-six. What remains to be seen, however, is whether he will play alongside Alex Galchenyuk or Tomas Plekanec. My first instinct is to assume that the most skilled player outside of the NHL belongs on a line with a team’s best center, which would inadvertently move Brendan Gallagher (RW) down to Plekanec’s second line.
Still, breaking up the chemistry established between Gallagher, Galchenyuk and captain Max Pacioretty might not be ideal considering that #27 had a breakout year last season. Radulov is capable of playing on either the left or right wing and with the addition of (an even more adaptable) Andrew Shaw, Plekanec might have the space he needs to set his sniper up for a goal while Shaw pesters opposing goalies and defenders.
Head coach Michel Therrien will have his hands full in determining the breakdown of a top-six that has greatly improved over last season’s yet many are convinced that he’ll be biting off more than he can chew with Radulov in the mix (more on this soon).
For now, fans can rest easy knowing that #47 will provide the kind of offensive output that could potentially turn the Bleu Blanc et Rouge into a dangerous team. The power play will improve and the number of goals scored should increase, and Bergevin deserves a lot of recognition for his hard work.
Enjoy the following clip highlighting Radulov’s skills and passion:
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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