Canadiens sign Alexander Radulov to 1-year, $5.75M contract

The Montreal Canadiens have announced the signing of Alexander Radulov to a one-year deal worth $5.75 million.

Alex Radulov's $5.75M, one-year contract with #habs includes a signing bonus. I'm in the minority, but I think it's a great fit.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2016

The 29-year-old Russian will be returning to the NHL after four seasons with CSKA Moscow in the KHL. In 154 NHL games with the Nashville Predators, Radulov produced an impressive 102 points.

Radulov had a bit of a bad reputation during his last stint in North America, which ultimately led to his return to Russia. That said, many believe he has matured a bit, and that could allow for this stint to be more successful.

I'm willing to give Radulov the benefit of the doubt. From what I've heard he's cooled down, a lot.
People change. Such is life.

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) July 1, 2016

Spoke with 3 people today who are very piped into Russian market. All say Radulov has been a completely different person over last 2 yrs.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 1, 2016

Bergevin by the way spoke with Shea Weber about his former teammate Radulov before beginning pursuit of the Russian winger

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) July 1, 2016

There’s also now a connection between Radulov and Shea Weber, who was acquired for P.K Subban just a few days ago. Some would believe that connection is damaged due to Radulov’s actions with Nashville, but Weber’s comments appear to be to the contrary.

Shea Weber on Alex Radulov after the playoff "incident" in 2012: pic.twitter.com/kEiYWrfBO5

— HabsLinks (@HabsLinks) July 1, 2016

Weber’s ‘forgive-and-forget’ mantra may be a good one for Canadiens fans to remember here too. After a questionable (at best) decision to trade Subban for Weber, this signing addresess Montreal’s needs seemingly well.

The Habs need people who can score goals, and that’s exactly what Radulov brings to the table. And the one-year deal means it’s a low-risk, high reward situation.

Judging him solely on today, Bergevin is doing ok.
Radulov is a good gamble.
Redmond brings good value.
Montoya is…a goalie.

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) July 1, 2016

Marc Bergevin didn’t stop with Radulov, he also added backup goalie Al Montoya and depth defenseman Zach Redmond.

Montoya spent the last two seasons with the Florida Panthers, backing up Roberto Luongo. In 25 games last season, the 31-year-old Montoya went 12-7-2 with a .919 SV% and 2.18 GAA. His contract is for one year at $900 000.

Redmond is a 6’2″, 205-pound defenseman who’s collected 33 points in 114 NHL games, including six in 37 games last season in Colorado. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, one way deal with the Habs.

With an active start to free agency, it looks like Bergevin is doing all he can to make us forget all about the Subban trade.

See also