Radulov - be counted

[fantasyhockeygeek]

I look at the data, and I see a great player. His NHLe numbers are spectacular, dipping to 80 (!) last year after being over 100 every season since he left the NHL. He plays a gritty, closed quartered, crash-the-net, NHL-style game, not a stereotypical perimeter "Russian" game.

He's fared well in international competitions and produced as well as or better than the top Russian players in the NHL.

His first two NHL seasons were 37 and 58 points... Nice step, and certainly points at an upside that's pretty elite, especially given the ice time and coach he had.

He's had a kid, and come to the NHL ostensibly to prove himself and win a cup. He met similar scepticism with NHL GMs, and despite looking for a long term deal he could only get 1 year. This dude is fiercely competitive... I smell massive motivation.

Pedigree? Check. Good progression, check. NHL style game, check. Great translated numbers? Check. Huge motivation? Check.

Yet, he's getting projected at 50ish by the bulk of people here who seem to be stuck on bad character, KHL numbers not holding up, flake yata yata yata. Is it just me or are folks getting totally blinded by hate and missing a massive opportunity?

I can't predict injuries, but the production skills are top. So step right up and vote. I'll write it down: top-20 forwards in points/GP (call it a 40 GP min).

Yes or no?

[stevegamer]

I really wanted a third option, as I think he's a top 30 guy, but probably not a top 20 due to adjustment & nutcase.

I'd say the see something, but not everything. I have to figure out or ask if he is still on somebody's reserve list in my dynasty, actually.

[Ingolo]

I'll be happy if he proves us all wrong.

My biggest reason for being down on his ability to crack the top 20 is just the team he plays for. Bad coach, not a great supporting cast (especially if Therrien doesn't play him L1, PP1). I definitely think that 50pts is his floor, but he'll hopefully have every opportunity to go beyond that.

[rataylor22]

Top 20? Tough to say. He's a 60-65 point player. Does that make him top 20? I'd wager no, but maybe.

[rataylor22]

Last year 65 points would rank him 23. So yea. 20-30 range seems right, top 20 is unlikely. That 23 doesn't include McDavid, Hall, etc.

[Sulla]

Problem is you can't compensate for attitude... Lots of promising signs that his has changed and if so I think we see the very best of him, arguably for the first time ever in the NHL, but right now I let someone else reach

[The Black Panther]

55pts his ceiling

[Axeman33]

I don't know what you're smoking or drinking but I wish they sold it here in Nova Scotia.

[havanablast21]

As I said in the other thread re Radulov vs Marner and your "he's the best player on the Habs...even more so than Pac Man who's 4th at best"..... Have another

[Pit Bulls]

I can't see him getting more than 50-55 points. Definitely not top 20....

[JHouly]

I think that the relation between him and Therrien will not go well.

I see him as a 50-55 points guy just because of that.

So I would answer no to that question....

[petegreg21]

Last year 65 points would rank him 23. So yea. 20-30 range seems right, top 20 is unlikely. That 23 doesn't include McDavid, Hall, etc.

Minor point but he said points/game (min 40GP) - that would include McDavid, but Hall still fell short, so did Stamkos. We'd be looking at him beating guys like Bergeron, Giroux, Scheifele.

To that effect, I don't see it happening.

[fantasyhockeygeek]

I'm not surprised by the comments, but I am surprised to see the poll results so far diverge from them as much as they have. 40% don't think I'm crazy!

Axeman, I've got a fridge in my basement with three taps on it. I will concede that I was a few pints of IPA into the evening when I put the poll up...

[Call of Doughty]

IF he can stay out of the coach's doghouse and get 19-21 mins of ice time and ~2mins+ of pwr play time/game it is possible he cracks the top 20 in scoring. I'd give him no more than a 30% chance of doing it though.

[Axeman33]

I'm not surprised by the comments, but I am surprised to see the poll results so far diverge from them as much as they have. 40% don't think I'm crazy!

Axeman, I've got a fridge in my basement with three taps on it. I will concede that I was a few pints of IPA into the evening when I put the poll up...

LOL! I need to come and have a drink of one of those taps.