I fully expect Flyers GM Paul Holmgren to reach out to Predators general manager David Poile ahead of the NHL draft later this month either regarding pending unrestricted free agent Ryan Suter or restricted free agent Shea Weber.
But after Tuesdays news, allow me to throw another Nashville name in the mix: Alexander Radulov.
Tuesday, Poile confirmed that Radulov is no longer in the Predators' future plans. The Preds have a very painful history with the 15th-overall pick of the 2004 draft.
Now, before you take my measurements for a strait jacket and proceed to guide me to the top of the Walt Whitman Bridge, at least hear me out.
Every off-season, Holmgren seems to make a move thats slightly off the beaten path. In 2009, he signed much-maligned goaltender Ray Emery. In 2010, he took a much sharper left turn and brought in Nikolay Zherdev. And, of course, last year the Flyers caught us by surprise by jumping in and grabbing Jaromir Jagr for one season at 3.3 million.
Radulov would be considered a buy right now because theres so much talent and potential, and you wouldnt have to give up even a fraction of the farm to acquire him. Many NHL teams will be easily frightened by him for two reasons: his recent transgressions during the playoffs when he broke curfew, which led to a two-game suspension; and the thought he will bolt for the KHL.
Radulovs decision to stay out late was selfish and inexcusable. He let his teammates down, but he made a mistake, and I thought he handled it well publicly. It was the first off-ice mishap of his NHL career. I believe Radulov has learned from it and will not venture down that road again.
NHL
Heres why Holmgren and the Flyers have to give the idea some thought: Radulov has incredible skills. He shattered Simon Gagnes Quebec Ramparts single-season scoring mark with 152 points in 62 games back in 2005-06. He will turn just 26 next month and hes entering the prime years of his career. Hes been the KHLs best player over the past three years, winning the leagues MVP award. I believe hell be constantly held accountable in the Flyers dressing room that has a strong mix of older veterans and a corps of young talented players. Pair him with Claude Giroux, and if he stays healthy, Radulov will easily score 70 points next season. Not to mention, he may single-handedly help the Flyers win a few more shootouts.
So, whats the price tag for Radulov? If I had an assurance he would play in the NHL next season, I wouldnt hesitate to send the Flyers' first pick (currently 20th overall) to Nashville. If hes still negotiating to play in Russia, then I would offer a third-rounder in the upcoming draft (the Flyers dont have a second-round selection) and a serviceable yet expendable player like Oskars Bartulis, who could provide the Predators some defensive depth. If thats all it takes to get the third-best player from the 2004 draft outside of Russians Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, I dont even blink an eye.
And lets not rush to judgment based solely on his Russian nationality. I know Philly fans arent too bearish (ha ha) on the idea after what transpired with Ilya Brygalov, but lets take each player on a case-by-case basis. Besides, it cant be any more of a failure than the Zherdev project. Thats comparing a bag of rotten apples to some freshly picked oranges.
Would I rather have a more dependable, reliable Zack Parise on my team? Of course. But for a cap-strapped Flyers team that may be tinkering with the notion of possibly adding Suter or Weber, they cant engage in a bidding war for the Devils forward.
Like alternative energy, Radulov would be cheaper alternative ... but it could be worth the price.
E-mail John Boruk at jboruk@comcastsportsnet.com