Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Extension talks on hold between Radulov, Habs

Boston Bruins v Montreal Canadiens

MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 08: Alexander Radulov #47 of the Montreal Canadiens looks on during the warmup prior to the NHL game against the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre on November 8, 2016 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins 3-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Here’s what Alex Radulov wants you to know about his contract negotiations with Montreal.

No, he did not ask for an eight-year extension.

Yes, he and the club had preliminary talks about a new deal.

No, those talks aren’t still going on.

From Sportsnet:

Radulov, who has 16 goals and 49 points in 71 games, told Sportsnet negotiations on a new deal between himself and the team are currently on hold, and that while there had been previous talks, they never got to the stage where a formal offer was presented by the club.

“When it happens, I’m sure you guys will be the first to know,” he said.

The topic of Radulov’s extension came to the forefront about two weeks ago, when a report from TSN 690 in Montreal claimed he asked for an eight-year extension from the Habs.

TSN’s Insider Trading panel then discussed the report later that same evening, adding to the fire.

Radulov quickly, and emphatically, shot down the report.

“It’s not even close, what they saying,” he said, per TSN’s John Lu. “I don’t even know how this -- I just don’t even want to discuss that because it’s nothing I can really control.”

Radulov, who turns 31 in July, returned to the NHL this year after four-year stint with KHL powerhouse CSKA Moscow. The Habs rewarded him handsomely for coming back -- one year, $5.75 million -- and Radulov has responded, emerging as one of the club’s top offensive performers.

He’s also been lauded for his passionate play and become one of Montreal’s most dependable forwards. Radulov’s averaging over 18 minutes a night, and trails only captain Max Pacioretty in terms of scoring.