Predators Suspended Radulov Without Pay
September 3, 2008 by Jeanne Dupuis
Filed under Fan Fare, Nashville Predators, News, Players, Signings and Contracts
I really hope we don’t see more like this situation with Alexander Radulov and the Nashville Predators. During the off-season he says he let the Preds know that he wanted to go and play in the Russian league (he actually signed a one-year deal with UFA of the Russian super league KHL) even though he had a year remaining on his NHL contract. The Preds set a deadline of September 1, 2008 for him to notify them of his return and, since that has now passed, the team has had to suspend him without pay for the 2008-2009 season.
David Poile, the president and GM of the Nashville Predators released the following statement:
“We are disappointed Alex will not be with the Predators at the start of this season. He is a world class player who demonstrated last season, with 26 goals and 58 points, that he is an emerging NHL talent. However, since he has not responded to our recent correspondence, we must move forward with our plans for the coming season.
At some point, we hope Alex will have a desire to return to the NHL and compete in the best league in the world, with and against the best competition. We will re-visit his status at that time.
Until then, we are focused on the players who are representing the Predators and providing them the necessary support and guidance. We will not allow Alex’s situation to be a distraction and, as such, will have no further comment on Alex or his situation.”
Okay, first of all, I don’t know if it’s really a good idea to say that the NHL is the best league in the world. It sounds kinda lame, actually, even if you do believe that. I understand Poile’s intentions but I think it was just not a good move. I also wonder if Radulov even cares. If he has a good one-year deal, he doesn’t give a crap if they suspend him, does he?
image credit: TSN
