Agent Alexander Chernykh, representing the interests of the attacker Alexandra Radoulova has denied rumors that his client could end his career.
Radulov played for Ak Bars last season, scoring 40 points (16+24) in 58 KHL regular season games, adding 4 points (1+3) in four playoff games. The Kazan club was eliminated in the first round of the Gagarin Cup, losing to Avtomobilist (1–4). On Wednesday, Ak Bars announced that Radulov, 37, was leaving the team.
— How many KHL clubs are competing for Radulov?
— I would not like to name specific options now. But there is interest, both from Eastern and Western conferences. We are communicating now, and after the meeting with Alexander, when we discuss all the details, we will begin specific negotiations with one of the teams. Well, or with two or three at once. But I think that after the meeting, after listening to Radulov’s wishes, we will be left with an option for concrete work. It will be his choice.
Tell me, which KHL club does not need Alexander? Yes, everyone needs him! Only a few are already under the salary cap. Some pseudo-journalists write that Radulov is a retiree and should play for 30 million. But anyone who truly understands executive and hockey player salaries will tell you that Radulov is worth much more. Another thing is that some clubs physically cannot afford such a player. If there was no cap space, more teams would have expressed interest in Alexander.
— Do you agree that the season in Ak Bars reduced the cost of a number of players? The same Dmitry Kagarlitsky agreed to reduce his salary from 40 to 25 million, after which he left for Torpedo.
— You have to look at what role you take the player for. There are those who have few points, but who are strong in destruction. Or Kirill Pilipenko scored 62 points in 62 matches for Severstal. But if he joins another team with a different tactic, then maybe he won’t score as many points. At the same time, everyone knows what they are capable of. And if he is hired for a role in which he is effective, then the amount of that player’s salary will not go down.
When interest in a player wanes and he no longer has a choice (only one club has shown interest in him), he is forced to accept a pay cut. Everything happens differently. But I will tell you that this is not the case with Radulov. He has a choice, there is interest in him.
— Isn’t he going to end his career?
– No, he won’t. Radulov will not end his career.
— Do deadlines put pressure on you?
– No. As the offseason progresses, we will decide calmly. If a club really needs a player, they will try to get him. I think we will find a good contract for Radulov. We are well. This is not the first time Sasha has entered the free agent market. He is in a good mood, positive as always. Now he is actively training. And very calm. Player number 47 has already proven everything to everyone. He certainly doesn’t need to worry,” Chernykh told .
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Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
