In news that should come as little surprise at this point, Alexander Radulov is headed back to the KHL having signed a four-year contract with CSKA Moscow. It's a deal that will reportely pay him around $9.2 million per season.
Even with his talent and production, there is no way he was going to come close to that type of contract in the NHL.
The club issued a statement from general manager Sergei Fedorov on Monday.
That statement, as translated by Yahoo's Dmitry Chesnokov:
"Some time ago we promised that if Alexander Radulov signs a contract, CSKA would announce it on its official website. Today I can proudly say that this long awaited event took place at last. Alexander Radulov signed a four year contract with the club.
"Without any doubt Alexander is one of the most exciting Russian hockey players of the last few years. On the ice he differs from the rest with his great dedication, high speed, excellent vision of the ice and the goal scoring intelligence of an extra class sniper. We know that these leadership qualities will help him become the leader of our team, and on our side we will do everything for it. We hope that more and more fans will come to the [arena] to see Alexander Radulov play."
After spending fours years in the KHL with UFA Salavat, Radulov returned to the NHL this past season to complete his contract with the Nashville Predators. He scored three goals to go with four assists in nine games during the regular season, but became the subject of a controversy during the playoffs. During the Western Conference Semifinal against the Phoenix Coyotes his play faced heavy scrutiny, and he was then benched, along with teammate Andrei Kostitsyn, for missing curfew.
The Predators eventually lost the series in five games.
During his time in the KHL Radulov was arguably the best player in the league and one of the most productive, averaging well over 20 goals and 60 points per season.
In parts of three seasons in the NHL, all with the Predators, he scored 47 goals in 154 games.
Photo: Getty Images
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