Alexander Radulov

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Radulov began his North American career in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts, where he set franchise records including a 50-game point streak and 152 points in the 2005–06 season. Drafted by the Predators, he signed a three-year entry-level contract on 9 January 2006. After starting the 2006–07 season with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals, he was recalled on 21 November 2006 and remained with Nashville for the rest of the season. In Game 2 of the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs, Radulov was suspended for one game for a hit on San Jose's Steve Bernier, who was sent into the boards head first but did not suffer any serious injury. On 11 July 2008, despite being under contract with Nashville for one more season, Radulov signed a three-year contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL. The Predators, NHL, and IIHF all stated the contract violated his NHL obligations. After the IIHF ordered Ufa to void the contract, the KHL argued Radulov signed on 5 July, before an NHL-IIHF agreement on 10 July. Nashville gave Radulov until 1 September to confirm his intention to stay, then suspended him without pay on 2 September for the 2008–09 season.

In Their Own Story

The Bridgestone Arena crowd buzzed with anticipation as Radulov danced along the blue line, the puck on a string. With a swift deke, he split the defense, his eyes locked on the net. The goal horn blared, and for a moment, all was forgiven—the contract drama, the flight to Russia, the uncertainty. Here was Radulov, in gold and navy, reminding Nashville of the magic he once brought. But as he skated to the bench, the whispers of his past lingered, a ghost that would never fully leave.

Reader's Guide

Alexander Radulov's time with the Nashville Predators spanned two stints: from his debut in the 2006–07 season through 2008, and a return in 2012. He made his NHL debut on 21 October 2006 against the Vancouver Canucks, logging seven minutes and one minor penalty. His first career NHL goal came on his first career shot against the San Jose Sharks on 26 October 2006. After a brief reassignment to Milwaukee, he was recalled on 21 November 2006 and stayed with Nashville for the rest of the season. In the 2007 playoffs, he was suspended for one game in Game 2 of the first round for a hit on San Jose's Steve Bernier. Radulov's contract dispute in July 2008, when he signed with KHL's Salavat Yulaev Ufa despite having one year left on his Predators deal, led to his suspension without pay for the 2008–09 season. He later returned to Nashville in 2012 for a second stint. His legacy is defined by his explosive offensive talent and the controversy of his departure.

Did You Know?

• Radulov scored his first career NHL goal on his first career shot against the San Jose Sharks on 26 October 2006.
• He was suspended for one game in Game 2 of the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs for a hit on San Jose's Steve Bernier, who was sent into the boards head first but did not suffer any serious injury.
• Radulov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators on 9 January 2006, during his QMJHL season.
• On 11 July 2008, Radulov signed a three-year contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL despite still being under contract with the Predators for one more season, leading to a suspension without pay.
• Radulov made his NHL debut on 21 October 2006 against the Vancouver Canucks, logging seven minutes and one minor penalty.