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Dallas Stars: Last Year’s Grade, Next Year’s Guess: Alexander Radulov

By Summer LeBel

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 3: Alexander Radulov #47 of the Dallas Stars exits the bench after the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on December 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Stars defeated the Avalanche 7-2. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 3: Alexander Radulov #47 of the Dallas Stars exits the bench after the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on December 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Stars defeated the Avalanche 7-2. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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There are just three Dallas Stars players left to grade, and next up is Alexander Radulov.

After a year spent in Montreal following his return from the KHL, Radulov joined the Dallas Stars as the team’s big free agency acquisition last summer.

Last Season

Alexander Radulov’s 2017-18 Grade: A-

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Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin have spent the majority of the past five seasons together, but their right wing has been a bit of a revolving door. Last year, Radulov came in and finally provided the strong third linemate they needed, but it did result in the Stars being incredibly top-heavy.

Radulov had a great season with 27 goals and 72 points. It was by far the best year of his NHL career and it made his contract look great.

He had pretty good possession numbers. He also played quality power play minutes. His offensive point share was third on the team, though his 5.7 was almost 2 points lower than Benn’s 7.5 and Seguin’s 7.6.

The problem with Radulov’s season last year was his penalty minutes. He was a distant second on the team behind Antoine Roussel for overall PIMs, but that’s not the whole story. Roussel had 4 game misconducts and 6 fights, where Radulov was only taking minor penalties. Radulov ended up tied for third in the league for most minor penalties and had 36 minor penalties compared to Roussel’s 28.

In addition to the volume of minor penalties, Radulov also had a tendency to get called at particularly inopportune moments and it had an impact on the outcome of a few games. That’s especially painful considering the Stars ended up only three points out of a playoff spot. They wouldn’t have been that close in the first place without Radulov’s help, but taking unnecessary penalties still stings. The one redeeming fact of all this is that at least Radulov isn’t on the penalty kill.

Next Season

Radulov can absolutely repeat his offensive numbers from last year if he’s up top again, but there’s a good chance that won’t be the case. If Jim Montgomery chooses to split them up and put Radulov on the second line to help depth scoring, his numbers will probably take a dip. That’s okay in the long run if the return is higher overall numbers from the second line.

The most important thing is for Radulov to stay out of the box. If he can do that, he’s golden. He doesn’t need to be in contention for the Lady Byng next year, but he needs to be more careful, especially when the Stars aren’t so hot on the penalty kill in the first place.

Last Year’s Grade, Next Year’s Guess: Jamie Benn. dark. Next

Only John Klingberg and Tyler Seguin’s grades remain, but did they both earn an A? Check back tomorrow to find out and share your thoughts on Radulov in the comments. Does he still earn an A in your opinion?

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