Stars land Radulov
Russian forward scores 5-year, $31.25-million deal with Dallas
DALLAS (AP) — Right winger Alexander Radulov got the richest contract given to an unrestricted free agent this off-season when he signed a $31.25-million, five-year deal with the Dallas Stars on Monday.
Only after agreeing on terms with the Stars did Radulov get an offer from the Canadiens to stay in Montreal for that long.
“The money was basically the same level. For me, it was more the term,” Radulov said on Monday. “Because I really (wanted), five years at least on my deal, and I want to play and not worry about it. Just play hard and try to win.”
The Stars obtained the top player available on the market on Day 3 of free agency. Radulov will count $6.25 million against the salary cap through 2021-22.
“Alexander is a dynamic playmaker with top-end speed and skill,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “To add a forward of this stature to our lineup makes our top six as deep and talented as any group in this league.”
The 30-year-old Russian had 18 goals and 54 points last season with the Montreal Canadiens after returning to the NHL following four seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League. He played on a $5.75-million, one-year deal and was looking for a long-term agreement this time around.
“When I put everything on the table and I saw what I have, it was an easy decision to go to Dallas,” Radulov said. “With Montreal, I don’t think we even get that close, you know. In my opinion.”
Nill said he couldn’t say what happened with Montreal’s negotiations with Radulov, but added that his conversations with the player showed he was very committed to joining the Stars.
Dallas also has signed centre Martin Hanzal for $14.25 million over three years, acquired defenceman Marc Methot from expansion Vegas and traded for and signed goaltender Ben Bishop.
“We’re excited about these moves, but we’ve got to go to work now. It doesn’t guarantee anything,” Nill said.
“We like what we have on paper but, in the end, the goal for us is to be a contender every year, to get in the playoffs every year. We didn’t do that last year for different reasons, injuries and everything else.”
Before missing the playoffs this past season, the Stars had been the top seed in the Western Conference in 2015-16.
Radulov spoke by phone a few days ago with Stars captain Jamie Benn, who makes up one of the NHL’s top scoring duos with Tyler Seguin. Radulov said Dallas was an “easy choice” for him because of the players already there.
“(Benn) told me about the team, about the guys, about the city,” Radulov said. “And I really liked it and I’m really thankful for the Dallas organization to give me a chance to play with a great player.”
Canadiens sign Hemsky to 1-year deal in attempt to help offset the loss of Radulov
MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free-agent forward Ales Hemsky on Monday.
The 33-year-old Czech missed most of the 2016-17 campaign after undergoing hip surgery. Hemsky had seven points (4-3) in 15 games with the Dallas Stars last season.
“I’m training at 100 per cent and I’m back to 100 per cent right now,” Hemsky said. “So I’m sure I’ll be ready for the season and for training camp. I’m excited for that.”
Hemsky made his NHL debut with Edmonton in 2002-03 and spent over a decade with the Oilers. In 838 career regular-season games, Hemsky has 174 goals and 398 assists for 572 points. He has 21 points (7-14) in 43 playoff games.
“It happened really quick,” Hemsky said of the signing process. “It will be a good opportunity for me.”