Alexander Radulov is said to seek return to Nashville Predators

Salavat Yulaev and Russia national forward Alexander Radulov may return to the NHL next season. According to a report by Nashville City Paper, he expressed his desire to play for the Nashville Predators, where he spent two seasons, in a conversation Wednesday morning with Paul Fenton, the Predators’ assistant general manager.

According to the club’s general manager David Poile, Radulov asked Fenton if his comeback was possible. «[He says] he can get out of his contract. I don’t know what he wants to do. We [told] him… we can trade his rights, but he said, ‘No, no. I want to play in Nashville.’ So that’s where we’re at.»

«If Radulov came back here, would he be a benefit to our team? Absolutely.»

Radulov has one year remaining on the entry-level NHL contract he signed after being drafted 15th overall by Nashville in 2004. That deal has been suspended since he signed to play back in his home country. His move to Salavat Yulaev served as a flashpoint in strained relations between the NHL and Russia’s hockey federation because he signed his KHL deal while still under contract with Nashville.

Playing for the Predators, Radulov scored 44 goals and had 51 assists in two seasons. He was named that league’s most valuable player in 2010.

In October Radulov signed a three-year extension to his contract with Salavat Yulaev.