The Detroit Red Wings have been linked to Russian winger Alexander Radulov ever since news broke that he'd be returning to the NHL. The Red Wings have been doing their due diligence on Radulov, who last played for CSKA Moscow in the KHL. CSKA is managed by former Red Wing star and Hall of Famer Sergei Fedorov. General Manager Ken Holland has surely contacted Sergei among countless former coaches, teammates and possibly even family members in the inquiry into Radulov's supposed change from his reckless off-ice behavior.
What does the contract offer look like?
Earlier today, Friday, June 3rd, KHL insider Aivis Kalniņš reported the following: Reports that Radulov is talking to Red Wings are true, his rep confirms that they are moving closer to a deal. He followed that tweet up with details of the contract offered to Radulov. He further confirms that Radulov has received a one-year deal worth between three and a half to five million US dollars, including a signing bonus. Though the two sides are not done sealing the deal, this is further along than has been reported of other suitors for Radulov's services.
Datsyuk and cap space talk
As news broke that Radulov would be returning and was linked to Detroit, many well-known writers felt this could both be a risky, and good signing. Radulov would fit right into the top six forwards, one of those spots possibly being vacated by Pavel Datsyuk. Although his agent has stressed that Datsyuk is still undecided on returning to the KHL or playing out the final season of his contract, the former seems the most likely. There is no question as to how good Radulov is, but there is a question to if is off-ice behavior is improved. They also don't want him to be a locker room cancer if you will. News of this contract offer certainly speaks volumes as to how the Wings' search for answers went.
One question that remains, is would a Radulov signing take the Wings out of the running for free agents like forward Steven Stamkos and defenseman Alex Goligoski? The Red Wings have certainly weighed all their options. Trades to clear cap space must be a part of their plan if they're to sign Radulov, their restricted free agents, and still make a run at one other free agent.