G.M. David Poile: Predators to part ways with Alexander Radulov

Russian forward Alexander Radulov's second stint with the Nashville Predators will turn out to be much shorter than his first. Radulov made a much-ballyhooed return the the NHL this spring after spending four seasons in Russia, but despite 13 points in 17 games, general manager David Poile has seen enough, he told Josh Cooper of The Tennessean.

“The best way to characterize it is it’s time to not pursue Rad anymore,” Poile said. “If he wants to play in the KHL that’s fine, if he wants to play with another NHL team I’d be willing to trade his rights.”

When asked if it would be safe to say that Radulov won’t be with the Predators next season, Poile said: “I would say right now that would be safe to say.”

Radulov played the 2006-07 and '07-08 seasons in Nashville before bolting to Russia. He was suspended for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Phoenix Coyotes for a curfew violation last month, then was also held out of Game 4 as the Predators went on to lose in five games.

“We feel the fit right now is not with Nashville,” Poile said. “He is currently in negotiations in the KHL, but still leaving the window open to a possible return to the NHL.”