Fansided

NHL free agency: Top 25 players available

By Dave Stevenson

May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Alexander Radulov (47) celebrates scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Alexander Radulov (47) celebrates scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Alexander Radulov

One of the biggest gambles out there in NHL free agency, Alexander Radulov also has perhaps the highest upside. He had a very successful return to the league after spending the previous seven seasons in the KHL, with a brief nine game return to the Nashville Predators in 2011-12. Radulov is a bit of a headcase, but he’s proven he’s well worth the risk on the ice. In each of his last two seasons, he has at least 50 points.

Radulov rightfully wants a long-term deal after rebuilding his value with the Montreal Canadiens. Security is an important thing for him, especially after his misadventures with the Predators. Radulov is reportedly seeking a long-term deal. The term will unquestionably be ugly if he gets one, but he could justify it with impressive play over the first few seasons.

Best fits: Ideally, Radulov should return to the Canadiens. Jonathan Drouin and the Russian forward would do a ton of damage in Montreal. It would immediately turn their weakness of a lack of elite skill into a strength. However, if they can’t afford him, the Vegas Golden Knights would make a lot of sense. Vegas needs a star and Radulov is certainly one. It should be interesting to see if anyone’s willing to give him the type of deal he’s seeking.

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