Nashville Predators: Character Doesn’t Count When It Comes to Alexander Radulov

May 1st, 2012 by Salim Valji Leave a reply »
This was supposed to be the Nashville Predators year. 

The organization had loyally stood by Head Coach Barry Trotz and General Manager David Poile as they rose from expansion team through middling playoff contender status to now, where they have legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations.  Of all years, 2011-12 was supposed to be the year. 

Poile shelled out first- and second-round draft picks that brought back impending unrestricted free agents Paul Gaustad and Andrei Kostitsyn.  Earlier in the season the team signed goaltender Pekka Rinne to a massive seven-year contract extension, locking up a franchise goalie and sending the message that they were willing to accommodate their star players.  These moves were made with a bigger goal in mind, one that came to fruition soon after the trade deadline. 

Alexander Radulov, once a highly-touted prospect in the team's farm system, was coming back after deserting the team following the 2008 season.  The move angered many NHL executives and fans and was a clear circumvention of the CBA.  Radulov didn't have to clear waivers and was free to report to the Predators. 

Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
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