Radulov practices with KHL team

From Jessica Hopp of the Tennessean:

Predators forward Alexander Radulov participated in his new Russian team's training camp Friday even though his contract was suspended by the International Ice Hockey Federation.

Continental Hockey League President Alexander Medvedev said the international federation can't keep Radulov off the ice during domestic competition or camp.

The suspension applies to his new team Salavat Yulaev Ufa's games in the inaugural Champions Hockey League, a tournament to determine Europe's top club team that starts in October. It also would apply to the World Championships and the Olympics.

Read the entire story here.

The KHL is adamant that Radulov's contract was not in violation of their agreement with the NHL. So, expect Radulov to continue practicing until the issue gets resolved one way or another.

IIHF Suspends Radulov, Other Players

TSN is reporting that the IIHF has suspended former (?) Predators forward Alexander Radulov as it investigates some transfers from the NHL to the KHL.

The International Ice Hockey Federation has suspended Alexander Radulov while they investigate the details of his transfer to the newly formed Russian KHL.

As well, the transfer of five other players - Nikita Filatov, Thomas Mojzis, Jason Krog, Fedor Fedorov and Viktor Tikhonov - is also being investigated by the governing body

.

Good for the IIHF. The Russians have long complained about the NHL stealing players under contract, then turn around and do the same thing. It will be best for both sides to get a good working agreement in place.

KHL places moratorium on signing NHL players

From the NY Times:

According to an item on the web site championat.ru (translations by Jeff Klein), the Russian KHL has announced this morning that it is officially declaring a moratorium on signing NHL players except those who are free agents and will respect existing NHL contracts. According to the statement made today, the KHL recognizes the agreement of July 10, the day the KHL, NHL, NHLPA and IIHF worked out their most recent understanding in Zurich.

Read more from Slap Shot here.

This seems to be an official announcement. That said, it doesn't address the Alexander Radulov issue. Instead, the agreement only limits the ability of the KHL to sign anymore NHL players who are currently under contract.

The Radulov saga continues on...

Predators want Radulov back

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

Both Predators Coach Barry Trotz and team captain Jason Arnott say they want Radulov to return for the coming season, but they are aware some baggage might come with him.

"When you back out on your deal and you let your teammates and the whole organization down like that, it's hard to swallow — no question,'' Arnott said. "I can't sugarcoat it any better. It's disappointing.

"But if he does come back and play with us, hopefully he comes back with a good mind and be ready to play. If he does that, I think guys will forget about it. If he comes back with the attitude that it's his last year here and he doesn't really care, then it's going to be a long year. It's going to be tough.''

Read the entire article here.

This feels like a Sopranos episode where Tony wants to talk with someone that has really pissed him off. So, he plays all nice to get him to come to meet him and then lets him know how he really feels.

Medvedev says Radulov is free to sign with Continental Hockey League

From Jeff Klein of the NY Times:

KHL president Alexander Medvedev said yesterday that the “existing gentleman’s agreement” worked out between the NHL, KHL and IIHF in Zurich on Thursday “is not backed by documents,” allowing Alexander Radulov to leave his Nashville contract and go to Salavat Yulaev Ufa because no international agreement had yet been signed when Radulov made his move.

Mevedev said the agreement would be signed “in two or three days, probably Monday,” and that once it is signed, it will “not be retroactive.” Radulov’s move to Salavat is “a situation not subject to dispute,” said Medvedev, who represented the KHL at the Zurich meeting.

Read the entire entry from Slap Shot here.

Medvedev is obviously looking to pick a fight with the NHL. If the NHL and KHL had an agreement in place when it was first reported, then Radulov would not be able to make the switch for next season. However, Medvedev is claiming it was a "gentleman's agreement." So, more information is needed on what exactly was agreed to before anything can be substantiated.

Could Radulov sign a deal for 2009/10?

From Ken Campbell of the Globe & Mail:

While is appears as though the contract is for this season - with Radulov saying he plans to begin training with Ufa next week - it is unclear whether or not Radulov could sign a deal that will take effect after his deal with Nashville expires. If that's the case, it will present a whole new set of problems for the NHL and IIHF to confront.

If Radulov arranged a deal for '09-10, his signing would be considered tampering by the NHL's definition. But that possibility was not addressed in the peace accord between the NHL and IIHF. With no tampering provisions, either side could theoretically get around the agreement by simply agreeing to terms with a player before his contract expires.

"That would be a grey zone," Szemberg acknowledged.

Read the entire article here.

Good work by both sides to not address this issue in their agreement. The ambiguity of certain parts of this agreement are sure to lead to more disagreements between both sides' lawyers.

Is Radulov actually heading to Russia?

From Jeff Klein of the NY Times:

Nashville forward Alexander Radulov has reportedly signed a three-year contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, the current Russian champions, according to a report in the Russian paper Sport-Express and first carried in English by the web site Fourth Period. Radulov, 22, reportedly has one year left on his contract with the Predators. Under the preliminary agreement reached last month and confirmed Thursday in Zurich between NHL and KHL officials not to poach players under contract, Radulov may have to stay in Nashville. No reaction yet from NHL, KHL, Predators or Salavat officials.]

Read more about the NHL/KHL "agreement" here.

Wow, this is getting quite interesting. First off, if Radulov does bolt for Russia, that is a huge loss for the Predators heading into next season. The ultra-talented forward was certainly expected to exceed the 30 goal mark this upcoming season. However, by the sounds of it, Radulov may be blocked from heading back home. I guess that really depends on when he agreed to a contract with a KHL squad. If he agreed to a contract prior to the NHL/KHL pact, then he may be free to go. On the other hand, if he didn't sign with the team until after the pact, then he will probably be suiting up for the Predators come the fall. Regardless, this story will surely get more intense over the hours and days ahead.

Update: Word is official from TSN.

Alexander Radulov has made the jump back home, as the young forward signed with Ufa of the Russian Superleague on Thursday. The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.Radulov, who is still under contract with the Nashville Predators, said he had warned the team that he wanted to play in Russia.

Here is the link.

Huge loss for the Predators. The team has signed almost all of its young core players to long-term pacts, so they will still be a good young team for many years, but the loss of Radulov leaves a 30 goal hole in their line-up. Never mind the fact that he was under contract for one more year and wasn't even a free agent.

This isn't the last we've heard of this story.

NHL Morning Papers (Friday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• David Naylor of the Globe & Mail wonders whether all these Ray Emery controversies are distracting the Senators.
• In the National Post, Allen Panzeri discusses the small amount of trash talk that has taken place between the Canadian and United States junior hockey players prior to their semi-final game today in the Czech Republic.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today has an interesting article comparing this year's version of the New England Patriots with the 1976-1977 Montreal Canadiens.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution provides readers with his second quarter report on the Thrashers. Tiller's colleague Craig Custance says the Thrashers are in the perfect division to make a playoff push.
• The Bruins rode a 31 save performance by Tim Thomas last night and defeated the Capitals 2-0. The Bruins got exactly what they expected from Shane Hnidy in the veteran's first game with his new club.
• With only one assist in his last nineteen games, Thomas Vanek has been demoted to the Sabres' second line and the Austrian will now play alongside Tim Connolly and Ales Kotalik.
• With consistent goaltending problems, the Hurricanes have recalled Michael Leighton from the AHL and have waived John Grahame.
• Jassen Cullimore was the unlikely overtime scorer, but the Panthers will take it, as they put an end to a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 overtime victory at Long Island.
• The Habs knew the Lightning would be desperate last night, and still weathered the storm with a 6-3 home victory writes Red Fisher of the Montreal Gazette.
• Those who were doubting Martin Brodeur early in the season don't look so smart now writes Bridget Wentworth of the Newark Star-Ledger.
• The Rangers were shutout by Roberto Luongo on Thursday night in what was a winnable game writes Jay Greenberg. John Dellapina of the New York Daily News tells readers that the Rangers' Achilles heel last night was their inept powerplay.
• It was quite a bizarre situation Thursday on Long Island, where it appears Rick DiPietro will now be suspended for two games for using goalie pads that were not examined by the league before being used.
• Senators coach John Paddock has yet to name a starting netminder for tonight's game versus the Sabres.
• Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that the Flyers have something very special in 22 year old Mike Richards. Meanwhile, the Flyers waived both Jim Dowd and Rory Fitzpatrick on Thursday.
• The Penguins had no trouble disposing of Toronto 6-2 last night writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It appears that Penguins forward Maxim Talbot is close to returning from an ankle sprain.
• The Lightning received terrific performances from their top line of Lecavalier, Prospal and St. Louis, but the rest of the team failed to show up in the Bolts' 6-3 loss at Montreal on Thursday.
• "We're halfway through the season and we still haven't found that consistency in terms of our efforts night in and night out," said Leafs captain Mats Sundin after last night's embarrassing 6-2 loss at Pittsburgh.
• The Capitals couldn't crack the scoresheet on Thursday night as they were shutout by Tim Thomas and the Bruins writes Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• Curtis Zupke of the Orange County Register provides Ducks fans with some information on newcomer Brandon Bochenski.
• Jarome Iginla popped the overtime winner last night as the Flames made sure that the Sharks' home struggles continued with a 3-2 victory at the Shark Tank. (Writer's note: I watched this game and it was one of the more enjoyable games I've seen all season.)
• The Blackhawks didn't lose 9-2 again, but they still came out on the losing end of a 4-2 final last night at Phoenix.
• The Avalanche received another huge blow to their lineup yesterday when they got word that rugged winger Ryan Smyth will be lost to the team for up to eight weeks with a fractured ankle.
• The Blue Jackets rebounded from a 2-1 loss to the Ducks with a 4-3 victory over the lowly Kings. Even though he has been injured a number of times this season, that doesn't mean Mike Peca is going to change the way he plays writes Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.
• After being handily defeated 6-3 by the Wild, Stars coach Dave Tippett believes every part of his team's game needs work right now.
• There are really no flaws to the Red Wings' game right now writes Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. In other Wings news, Tomas Holmstrom is hoping to return this Sunday versus Chicago from a sore right knee.
• The Oilers' defense wasn't ready for the speed of the Nashville forwards last night writes Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal.
• The Kings three-game winning streak sure didn't last long as they were beaten by the Blue Jackets 4-3 on home-ice last night.
• The Wild were able to get revenge last night over the Stars after being embarrassed in Dallas a little over a week ago.
• The Predators easily defeated the Oilers 5-2 on Thursday on the back of a two-goal effort from Alexander Radulov. (Writer's note: I'm still wondering why Radulov isn't playing more on this squad????)
• "We're playing hard, good, solid hockey, and are doing a lot of good things," said Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky after his team defeated the Blackhawks by a score of 4-2 on home-ice.
• Even though the Sharks lost in overtime last night to Calgary, the one point they received for the loss moved them into a tie for first place in the Pacific Division with Dallas.
• Blues coach Andy Murray is confident in his team's talent-level on the powerplay, and that is why he just can't figure out why his team has such problems with the man-advantage.
• Roberto Luongo was single-handedly responsible for his team's victory over the Rangers last night.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Fantasy Watch: Buy/Sell

BUY

F Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Marleau struggled to begin this season, scoring only four points in the first month of the season. After averaging around a point per game the last two seasons, owners began wondering what was wrong with Marleau? Regulated to the bench on most fantasy teams, Marleau has since gotten hot, scoring six points in his last four games. While he still only has 11 points on the year, Marleau's recent outburst shows that he can still be a consistent fantasy scorer. Due to a slow start Marleau's overall points may dip a bit, but nonetheless, expect a big second half for the forward.

F Alexander Radulov, Nashville Predators
Radulov began this season in Nashville and after a slow start to his sophomore year, the forward was heavily criticized over poor conditioning in the off-season. After only scoring seven points in October,
Radulov has since gotten hot, as he has already eclipsed his point total from October. With three goals and eight points in November, it appears that the former first round pick has overcome his early season struggles. With the potnetial to be one of the NHL's top players, Radulov has to have owners furious with only 15 points on the year. Try to see if you can make a deal for the forward as he is in line to have a big second half.

F Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche
Smyth is having a disappointing season in Colorado, scoring only 13 points in his first 19 games. Nonetheless, if you can get Smyth for cheap in your league than do so. The forward has always been around a point per game pace player and should develop better chemistry with his line mates as the season goes on. Expect a significant turnaround for the former Oiler once he gets more comfortable playing in Colorado.


SELL

F Mike Comrie, New York Islanders
Comrie got off to a fast start this season scoring six points in his first two games, which had owners immediately checking the waiver wire for his availability. While he is currently averaging a point per game, Comrie's scoring has become rather inconsistent as of late. With only two points in his last five games, Comire has failed to show the offensive burst that he displayed earlier in the season. Although the former Coyote may end up finishing the season with around 50+ points, it's advised to trade him for a more proven scorer.

G Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes
Bryzgalov's stock may never get higher than it is right now. After being claimed off of waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes, Bryzgalov was named the starter for Phoenix's next game and immediately posted a shutout. Although Bryzgalov will probably receive the bulk of the starts in Phoenix, owners should not expect this kind of performance regularly. When playing for a much more talented Anaheim team, Bryzgalov was nothing more than mediocre, as his 10-8-6 record in 2006 shows that he was only a decent backup. It's advised to try and trade Bryzgalov now, because when the losses start coming, no one is going to take him.

F Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars
Lehtinen is currently Dallas' second leading scorer with 19 points in 20 games. Receiving significant playing time on Dallas' squad, Lehtinen's sudden offensive has been a surprise to many. After having an off year last season, it was thought that Lehtinen's stats would take another hit, as he is getting up their in age. On pace to eclipse his career high in points, it may seem silly to unload Lehitnen, but with his stock so high, now is the best time to do it. Already at age 34, Lehtinen has never scored more than 52 points in a season, and although it may look like he could break it, players of Lehtinen's age always tend to slow down.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: ZzzZzZz Sleepers

Every year a few players fly under the radar and end up being just as beneficial to your fantasy teams as some top round selections. Here at Illegal Curve, we bring you five 'sleeper' picks who have the potential to breakout for this upcoming season.

Five sleepers:

F Drew Stafford, Buffalo Sabers

A frequent call up last year, Stafford became a force in Buffalo's offense, scoring 14 goals and 27 points in 41 games. Had he been an everyday starter last year, the young forward would have surely made more noise, seeing as how he registered 16 points in the Sabres' last 17 games. Finishing the season strong, Buffalo rewarded Stafford with a spot on their playoff roster giving the young forward some much needed playoff experience. With top players, Daniel Briere and Chris Drury no longer on the team, Stafford will be given an increased role, and has the chance to breakout playing within Buffalo's high powered offense.

F Scottie Upshall, Philadelphia Flyers

Beginning last season on Nashville, Upshall only appeared in 14 games before being shipped off to Philadelphia in the trade that brought Peter Forsberg to the Preds. Buried on Nashville's depth chart, Upshall had trouble cracking the lineup and only ended up playing a total of 77 games for the club that drafted him sixth overall back in 2002. In Philadelphia, Upshall came to a team that was dead last in the league and was looking for any positive way to finish off the season. Instantly gelling with Philly's young talent, Upshall provided a scoring boost, recording 9 points in his last 12 games with his new club. Signing a two year deal in the offseason should give Upshall more confidence as he begins his fresh start in Philadelphia.

F Tim Connolly, Buffalo Sabers

After announcing that he would be out indefinitely to begin last season, some owner in your fantasy league probably thought they were really smart by using a late round pick to grab the forward, hoping that he would pay dividends come mid-season. Unfortunately for them, Connolly only played two regular season games last year, as it took him an entire season to recover from post-concussion syndrome. Healthy enough for the playoffs, Connolly recorded four points in eight games while averaging over 15 minutes per contest. Entering this year at full strength, Connolly should see plenty of ice-time as he looks to regain his 2005-06 form, where the former sixth overall pick scored 55 points in 63 games played.

F Alexander Radulov, Nashville Predators

Radulov was Nashville's first round pick back in 2004 and after tearing it up in the QMJHL, the dynamic Russian forward finally cracked the Pred's starting lineup last year. A pure goal scorer, Radulov collected 18 goals and 34 points in 64 games played with the club. What also should be noted is that Radulov was plus 19 last year, third best on Nashville. With Steve Sullivan out indefinitely due to back problems, and the organization's many losses to free agency, look for the Preds to lean on Radulov a lot more to begin the year; this should result in a significant increase in points for the young star.

F Kyle Wellwood, Toronto Maple Leafs

Wellwood started last year on fire, scoring 11 points in the first month of the season. Slowly emerging as a legitimate center, Wellwood went down with a slew of injuries over the next few months and only appeared in 48 games last season. Nonetheless, the young forward managed to rack up 42 points giving him a new career high. If Wellwood is able to stay healthy for the entire year, a 65-70 point season is not out of reach.



For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis