Alexander Radulov: New York Rangers Interested in Deal with Nashville Predators?

The New York Rangers are reportedly in talks with the Nashville Predators about the potential to bring mercurial scoring winger Alexander Radulov to Broadway.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported Glen Sather contacted Nashville general manager David Pollie about Radulov after learning sniper Marian Gaborik would be out five to six months recovering from shoulder surgery. 

Sean Gentille of the Sporting News says Radulov can also expect an offer from the KHL around the neighborhood of $8 million.

Would Radulov be a good fit for the blue-collar, maximum-effort Rangers team?

On paper, not a chance.

Radulov is known for taking shifts off, his head isn't sold on the NHL game and he lacks intensity. I have a feeling him and John Tortorella would be facing off more than they would like. 

Think Nik Zherdev part two. He had all the talent in the world to be one of the best players in the NHL, but fell out of favor with a lack of effort and desire to compete.

No one can argue the supreme offensive talents Radulov would bring to a New York team in desperate need of it after losing Gaborik for the start of the 2012-13 season.

He would immediately become the Rangers' biggest offensive threat, sans Chris Kreider. And, when you consider Nashville has severed ties with the winger (according to The Tennessean), the price to acquire Radulov's rights may not be very high at all.

Would it be worth disrupting the remarkable chemistry of the Rangers to bring in a talent with a reputation of being a bit of a problem?

Should you even believe a Czech tabloid as a good source of info?

Here's TSN Insider Bob McKenzie on the subject:

"

NYR have not traded for Alex Radulov's rights. In fact, I'm not convinced their level of interest in this player is very great at all.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 8, 2012"

Take it for what it's worth.