Report: Major controversy surrounding Radulov

Lies, deception, and betrayal surrounding Radulov and his agent.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Major controversy surrounding Radulov
KeyStone Press

When Alexander Radulov signed with the Montreal Canadiens in the summer of 2016, many saw it as an interesting move, and a risky one at that given the reputation he earned during his last stint in the NHL.

He silenced his critics with sizzling performances all season, bringing life, energy, and offense to the ice night after night.

After posting 54 points in 76 games, the 30-year-old going on 31 was set for a lengthy contract extension, and Canadiens general manger Marc Bergevin seemingly did everything he could to retain the services of his star forward.

But when all was said and done, Radulov signed with the Dallas Stars on a 5-year deal paying him $31.25 million over the course of the contract.

He was interviewed following the announcement of the deal, and stated that he doesn't know all the details of the negotiation because his agent handled it for him.

"When I put everything on the table and I saw what I have, it was easy decision to go to Dallas," Radulov said to NHL.com. "With Montreal, I don't think we even got that close, in my opinion."

Radulov later mentioned that Bergevin came back at the last second to match Dallas' offer, but it was too late. Sources inside the Canadiens' organization, including Bergevin himself, clearly stated that they offered the exact same deal two weeks before Dallas did, but it was turned down.

Today, Renaud Lavoie of Journal de Montreal, revealed that this offer was indeed on the table from the Habs' side, with a June 24th deadline to accept it. As we know, the agent refused the offer.

Bergevin decided to offer the deal again on July 1st, but he was told that the Stars offered that deal too, and because of the lower taxes, he'd have to modify the offer to $7 million a year.

Bergevin, of coursed, refused to do so, and so the agent made the deal with Dallas.

Radulov's comments about him and Montreal not even coming close to a deal rings false - as well as his statement about Bergevin offering the $31.25 million at the last second.

We now have solid information that Bergevin offered the same deal twice before Dallas did, and that they were in fact quite close to a deal. The question becomes - did Radulov's agent lie to his client about what happened, or is it Radulov who is spinning the truth?

Radulov is certainly enjoying his time in Dallas - he has 22 points in just 23 games this season.