Radulov bolts from Nashville, signs with Ufa

[Pskov Wings Fan 71]

Here's a couple of statements regarding the issue.

Looks like either a) these reports aren't true (entirely), or b) they are and the Preds plan to fight this. Either way, nothing really definitive in these statements.

Not sure how Preds can fight it. They can try to sue Radulov is US, which he will ignore. I do not believe they have any chance of winning a lawsuit against him it Russia. According to Radulov's interview contract with the russian team was signed prior to the new transfer agreement between NHL and KHL.

[Earthhuman 8]

You're actually helping me make my point.

You're from the Czech Republic so naturally you'd prefer to see Czech's over N.A.'s. I can totally understand that.

But seeing as the NHL is a gate driven league where 95% of the revenue is generated from North American's, you need to have more North American's in the league.

It would be no different if I was demanding more Canadians or American's on teams in the KHL or Czech Republic.

I wouldn't blame any fan in those countries if they got upset that there were too many N.A. players on their clubs.

In fact, Jamie Heward said that many of the Russian players resented the Canadian and American influence in the RSL. And so did the fans to a degree and it's hard to get angry at them for it.

If you're born in Canada or the US, you're always going to cheer harder for a guy named Smith over a player named Yachmenev. Just like i'm sure it's the opposite in Russia or abroad.

That was my point and it's why I want to see more jobs go to North Americans - when the skill level is equal or close to being on par.

That may be true for you, but my 4... no, 6 favorite Wings are European. I don't care what their name is or how they talk. I'm not going to demand a trade for that.

And I prefer Kopecky over Bootland by a long shot. Same goes for any other European vs. N.A. I want the better player! Winning is more entertaining to me.

[T.Low 1,011]

According to the Team 1040 Vancouver, he was due to make $900,000 next year with one year left on is contract. His deal with Ufa is $13,000,000.00 over the next 3 years (could've been 4 yrs, but I think it was 3) TAX FREE.

Yeah, if thats me, of course I'm going.

[Pskov Wings Fan 71]

According to the Team 1040 Vancouver, he was due to make $900,000 next year with one year left on is contract. His deal with Ufa is $13,000,000.00 over the next 3 years (could've been 4 yrs, but I think it was 3) TAX FREE.

Yeah, if thats me, of course I'm going.

IMO, when they talk about tax-free money it just mean that contract is signed in terms of "take home pay" not gross value. Taxes are still being paid. I think Russia currently has 13%(?) flat tax.

[Yzermania 156]

If you're born in Canada or the US, you're always going to cheer harder for a guy named Smith over a player named Yachmenev. Just like i'm sure it's the opposite in Russia or abroad.

I completely disagree with that. I am from the US and aside from Yzerman(though he is canadian anyhow), I have always cheered the most for Fedorov, datsyuk, Lidstrom, Franzen and then great players outside the wings, I've always liked some of the russians like bure and ovechkin and the list goes on with the foreign players. I have always liked the euros mor ebecause of their skilled, flashy game as opposed to the kind of meat and potatoes grit game played by the north americans.

[redwinger4747 6]

That's awful for the Preds.

Could be the last straw on the way to Hamilton?

Ooo if only. Seriously, get this team to Hamilton, or at least out of Nashville. I hate teams in bad hockey markets when there are plenty of good hockey markets without teams in Northern US and Canada. How about Milwaukee?

[egroen 384]

I actually like the Predators, but can't stand Nashville. I'd love to see the team moved to _______ (you name it).

Seems like they get nothing but bum luck, yet still play really tough... easily the Wings' biggest challenge in the playoffs this year.