Radulov Signs With Dallas Stars

Alexander Radulov was the latest high-price to sign with a new team Monday. He’s packing his bags for Dallas after the Stars ponied up $6.25 million for five years. While that’s a bit pricey the Stars can afford it and look to make the playoffs this season. Many believe he may have been able to fetch a higher price. But several teams have still not forgiven him for bolting back to Russia in his younger days.

The Stars are going to be good offensively, adding Radulov to an already talented couple of top lines. It’s been a solid offseason for Dallas, who added goalie Ben Bishop, forward Martin Hanzal and defenseman Marc Methot. Dallas said they weren’t going to sit idle after last year’s finish. And the team lived up to its word.

The move doesn’t help Montreal one bit and the Canadiens look like they are ready to move on from Andrei Markov. How much that has to do with Carey Price’s $10.5 million extension is something only Montreal management knows. Montreal signed an over-the-hill Ales Hemsky to a one-year $1 million deal today. Hemsky may be good for some points and is still decent in the shootout. They can’t wrong at that price. But he’s no Radulov.

The Canadiens are probably making sure they don’t become the next salary cap casualty. Sunday night Washington traded forward Marcus Johansson to New Jersey. The return was an underwhelming 2nd and 3rd round draft picks. Johansson has two years left on his deal and then is a restricted free agent. Washington should have gotten more for him than a couple of draft picks.

It’s highly unlikely that any new deals will be made July 4. But don’t be surprised if a couple of the last remaining free agents get deals inked before the week is over.