With the New York Rangers recently receiving the crushing news that 41-goal scorer Marian Gaborik will require right shoulder surgery that could sideline the sniper into December of next season, the team knows that they must make a move to help replace that scoring void.
But are they so desperate they would consider adding Alexander Radulov, the cantankerous and captious Russian who recently “severed ties” with the Nashville Predators?
According to a Czech Republic report, the answer is yes.
Radulov, who will turn 26 next month, has a lucrative contract offer on the table from CKSA of the KHL, but he has reportedly turned down the $10 million deal. If that’s the case, it’s clear that Radulov wants to stay in North America and complete in the NHL.
So would Radulov be a good fit for the blue-collar team like the Rangers?
Absolutely not. Not only would head coach John Tortorella not put up with Radulov’s propensity for phoning in shifts, but keep in mind that this is the guy who was suspended/scratched for Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Coyotes after having missed curfew the night before Game 2.
Radulov did recorded seven points in nine-regular season games for the Predators before putting up six points (1-5) in eight playoff games, but his scoring touch hardly seems worth the inevitable headaches.
The Rangers still have time to mull this one over and although they still may be considering Radulov, TSN Insider Bob McKenzie just doesn’t see it happening.
“NYR have not traded for Alex Radulov’s rights. In fact, I’m not convinced their level of interest in this player is very great at all.”
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