Alexander Radulov
The Montreal Canadiens are still paying Tomas Plekanec a ridiculous six million for next season, so they will run into salary cap problems this summer as well.
However, they currently have $4,521,387 in cap space, according to CapFriendly. Nonetheless, they have some big contracts expiring this summer, and could run into contract issues because of it.
For example, Alex Galchenyuk’s contract is expiring this summer, and he is due for a huge pay raise. Nathan Beaulieu will also be getting a pay raise this summer.
And, Carey Price will only have one year left on his contract after this year. So, they may try to jump the UFA gun and sign him long term this summer as well.
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With all that being said, the Canadiens are unlikely to be able to afford an extension for Alexander Radulov. The Canadiens were willing to give him 5.75 million for a one year contract, but he probably isn’t worth that long term.
Radulov is also 30 years old, and he will soon be on the wrong side of that coin. Therefore, he needs a shorter contract, and a pay reduction.
Unfortunately, if he’s sent to the open market, he will likely get thrown an albatross of a contract, and the Avs can’t let themselves compete with that.
Personally, I don’t think he is worth as much as T.J. Oshie, but there are many teams that would disagree. Radulov produces at a nice clip, and plays the ice pretty well; however, he is also an uncertainty in the locker room.
The Avs may be looking for wing help, but Radulov is a risk worth taking only if he takes a pay reduction and a three year contract, at most.