One of the most enticing question for hardcore hockey fans goes like this:
“How dangerous would an already-tough Nashville Predators team be with Alex Radulov added to the mix?”
The story has been gaining traction for at least a week now, but the dream is starting to become a pinch-me reality for once-spurned Predators fans (who look at him as something of a “prodigal son”). TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the NHLPA could open the door for his return, which would best be illustrated merely by showing his Tweet:
Radulov’s incentive for coming back is immense as he’d burn the last season of his entry-level deal if he played for the Predators during the rest of the regular season and the playoffs. Even as a pending restricted free agent in that scenario, he could make a bucket of money - especially if he takes Nashville deep into the playoffs.
As useful as Andrei Kostitsyn and Mike Fisher have been, merely getting Radulov back would be the biggest offensive addition Nashville has enjoyed in years. (If you’re super-clever, you might call it addition by subtracted subtraction.)
Anyway, it’s a fun situation, but Dreger’s all-caps IF shows that it’s not a sure thing. Stuff like this is too enjoyable not to burst at the seams about at least a bit, so let me ask: what kind of impact could a contract-year Radulov make on the playoffs? Could the bump they receive from a player who might immediately become their most potent offensive catalyst even convince Shea Weber and/or Ryan Suter to stay?
Could Radulov’s return (and possible signing) even soothe some of the pain if Weber and Suter leave?
The situation naturally breeds all sorts of fun questions, so have at it.