The Toronto Maple Leafs have been rumored to be the NHL destination of Russian defenseman Nikita Zaitsev once his KHL obligation is completed, but Russian outlet AllHockey.Ru reports that Leafs representatives are also attempting to woo Zaitsev’s teammate, former NHLer Alexander Radulov back to the NHL.
The 24-year-old right-handed defenseman has been connected to the Leafs since speaking with Brendan Shanahan and Mike Babcock on a visit to Toronto last summer. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Zaitsev has been telling interested NHL teams of his intention to sign with the Maple Leafs next season.
The 29-year-old Radulov was a 2004 first round pick of the Nashville Predators and played two years in the NHL before bolting to Russia and the KHL in 2008.
After four seasons with Ufa Salavat Yulayev, Radulov returned to the Preds in 2012 for the stretch run and post-season (using up the final year of his entry-level contract), but an off-ice incident with teammate Andrei Kostitsyn during the playoffs ended any possibility of re-signing with Nashville and hastened a return back to the KHL.
Radulov has been the top scorer for CSKA Moscow in three of his four seasons, but may be ready to return to North America with the uncertain financial stability of the KHL. These reports also could be a ploy by the winger’s representatives to extract more money on a new contract from his current club.
There are reasons to doubt these reports, Russian sports writer Slava Malamud indicates that the Radulov speculation is part of a rumor war between SKA St. Petersburg and CSKA, who were matched in the KHL Western Conference Final.
Shanahan and Lamoriello are not signaling a departure from rebuilding the Leafs with young talent acquired through trades, signings and the NHL Draft, but if Toronto pursues Steven Stamkos this summer and the interest in Radulov is legitimate, then it is an indication that the club will attempt to be more competitive next season instead of enduring another year of being at the bottom of the NHL standings.
Any news on Radulov and Zaitsev's future will be a few weeks away, as CSKA Moscow will be playing in the Gagarin Cup Final after eliminating St. Petersburg on Monday.
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The Maple Leafs announced the signing of Minnesota-Duluth goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo to a two-year entry level contract, effective at the start of next season.
The 22-year-old Finnish-born Kaskisuo played 39 games for the Bulldogs during the 2015-16 season, with a 19-15-5 record, .923 save percentage and 1.92 GAA. Toronto was known to be looking for depth in goal, with only Jonathan Bernier, Garret Sparks and Antoine Bibeau in the organization next summer.
This could end the interest in Djurgardens goalie Mantas Armalis or Yale goaltender Alex Lyon, both undrafted free agent goalies being pursued by other NHL clubs.
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Listen to myself and CTV's Norman James, as we discuss the Radulov rumors and the last two weeks of the Leafs season.
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