Lots of quick ones out of Russia this weekend.
*-> Alexander Radulov is rumored to be on his way back to North America. Several sources have said the Russian sniper has full intention on returning to the Nashville Predators this fall. Nashville has yet to announce anything or make any other comments other than they most likely welcome him back if he honors his contract. This is unlikely however though as he still is under contract for another 2 years in the KHL. The league would surely fill a complaint to the IIHF if he left Russia for the NHL and would be forced to honor his contract or be banned from the next Olympic games in Russia, something that would surely not be in his interest on top of making more in Russia. I also find it hard to believe the Preds would also welcome him with open arms as many words were said between both sides.
*-> Evgeny Artyukhin of the Atlanta Thrashers has told Russian newspapers he plans to listen to offers from both sides of the pond this summer when he becomes a UFA. He did state however he was extremely unhappy about his ice time in Atlanta and Anaheim this season. 5 minutes a game was unacceptable and several KHL teams have approached him already with more money and a bigger role. He went on to say he'd settle for less money to play in the best league and he is more comfortable on the small ice with physical play. He will wait until getting all of his offers before deciding his fate but it mainly depends on his role and minute with the team.
*-> Kirill Petrov the New York Islander prospect has told the Isles he will report to Bridgeport of the AHL next season. He has officially left the KHL after his contract expired in April. He hopes to make Long Island next season but has no problem with the AHL if it'll help his development.
*-> Anton Babchuk has revealed that the Carolina Hurricanes have contacted him about returning to the NHL next season. Babchuk was willingly let back to Russia last summer after the Canes and him could not come to terms. His KHL contract does have a release clause its reported. Jim Rutherford has also made several comments regarding Babchuk saying he has spoken to his camp and their looking at all options for next season.
*-> Free agent goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers in the upcoming weeks. Bobrovsky who went undrafted has played steady hockey in nets for the past several seasons for Metallurg Novokuznetsk of the KHL. He is thought to be of backup potential and is willing to leave for North America after his contract expired in April. However several KHL teams have already made offerds for the young tender including Dynamo Minsk so if money is a factor it may stall a deal.
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