Canadiens’ Alexander Radulov out vs. Rangers with lower-body injury

Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty talks about the resurgence of Alexander Radulov in the NHL and how he was well aware of his skill set before he came to the Habs. Radulov then comments on how easy it is to play with a great player like Max.

Sportsnet Staff March 4, 2017, 4:38 PM

The Montreal Canadiens announced a couple lineup changes ahead of Saturday night’s game against the New York Rangers.

Lineup changes for the Canadiens tonight: S. Ott and A. Martinsen in uniform, replacing M. McCarron and A. Radulov (lower body injury).

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 4, 2017

The team will be without its second-leading scorer, Alexander Radulov, who has a lower-body injury. Radulov has been a great contributor for the Canadiens this season, his first back in the NHL since leaving for Russia’s KHL in 2012-13. In 63 games, Radulov has 15 goals and 46 points.

His injury is considered day-to-day.

The 30-year-old is making $5.75 million against the salary cap this season and is a UFA at the end of the season. According to Sportsnet’s Eric Engels, it’s not likely the team will re-sign Radulov prior to the expansion draft, since they would have to use a protection spot so the Vegas Golden Knights don’t select him. The team is, however, interested in re-signing him.

Marc Bergevin, without saying it, made it pretty clear a new contract with Alexander Radulov won't be announced before expansion draft.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 2, 2017