Alexander Radulov: Predators Close to Reacquiring Skilled Russian Forward?

Alexander Radulov is close to rejoining the Nashville Predators, according to sources with ties to the situation. Radulov was drafted 15th overall in 2004 by the Predators, and he showed a lot of potential before defecting to the KHL after the 2007-08 season.

Rumors surfaced that Radulov wanted to rejoin the Predators, and things are looking like he could rejoin the team sooner rather than later.

Joshua Cooper, Predators beat writer for the The Tennessean, provides these tweets as an update on the Nashville front:

"

Trotz said to his understanding the release was the issue with Radulov. Said he thought he was supposed to come over Friday.

— JoshuaCooper (@JoshuaCooper) March 19, 2012"

"

Trotz: I know David (Poile) talked to his agent and his agent said he was planning to make his way to Nashville

— JoshuaCooper (@JoshuaCooper) March 19, 2012"

Here is a tweet from Sports-Express' Slava Malamud, a foreign correspondent and contributor to NHL.com:

"

Sport-Express reports Radulov's talks w/ KHL, Salavat are over. He'll fly to Ufa tomorrow, most likely leave for Nashville later this week.

— Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) March 19, 2012"

The situation has been very complicated since the rumor of Radulov's aspirations to play in the NHL again emerged. The talented Russian forward and all-time KHL leading scorer controversially ditched the Predators to sign a lucrative deal with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL.

It was a move that brought some tension between Radulov and the Predators. Now, Radulov is attempting to ditch the KHL in favor of a return to the NHL. 

The Nashville Predators are a strong playoff contender, and it appears that the KHL star forward will be joining the Predators for a playoff push, which may put them over the top.

It is a move that not many teams are thrilled with. ESPN's Pierre LeBrun had this to say about the situation:

"

[Predators GM David] Poile and [NHL Deputy Commissioner Billy] Daly were in constant contact over the past week because the league had to rule on Radulov’s possible re-entry to the NHL. A source told ESPN.com that the league decided Radulov would not require NHL waivers if he decided to return and he would be eligible for both the regular season and playoffs.

Talk about a bonus for Nashville if that happens. And talk about some possibly angry NHL team rivals. 

The league also needed the NHLPA to sign off on it and the union did, a source told ESPN.com. 

"

A player like Radulov would really benefit the Predators offensively and add to their overall team strength, helping Nashville contend with some of the Western Conference powerhouses.

The Predators have the defense, they have the goaltending, and with Radulov complementing their current forward group, they could really make some noise in the postseason.

Presently, this is only a rumor, so check back with the Bleacher Report NHL page as more information becomes available. In addition, for cap information on Radulov, check Cap Geek for updates in the event progress is made.

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist.

For more NHL news, updates and alerts about players: