Summer School: How Alexander Radulov's energy, work ethic boosts Stars

As players get ready for the 2018-19 season under new head coach Jim Montgomery, let's take a look at what they did last season and where they can improve in a series we'll call "Summer School." Next up, DallasStars.com senior staff writer Mike Heika takes a look at right wing Alexander Radulov.
Previous installments:Jason Spezza, Tyler Seguin, John Klingberg, Mattias Janmark, Radek Faksa, Jamie Benn, Stephen Johns, Esa Lindell, Marc Methot, Ben Bishop, Devin Shore

Alexander Radulov

Position: Right Wing
Age:32
Height:6-foot-1
Weight: 201 pounds
Shoots: Left
2017-18 Stats: 82 GP, 27 G, 45 A, 72 Pts, plus-19, 21 PIM
2018-19 Status:Under contract for $6.25 million cap hit.

What happened last year

Playing on a line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, Radulov was third on the team in points with 72 and third in goals with 27. He also was fourth on the team in SAT (shot attempt differential at even strength) at plus-105. Radulov struggled with penalties at times, finishing third in the NHL with 36 minors -- and those penalties often proved to come at crucial times. However, his energy turned out to be a positive, and the five-year, free-agent contract that will average $6.25 million was probably the best move the team made last season.

Heika's outlook

On a team that can be quiet at times, Radulov is important for so many reasons. He is a magnificent offensive talent who can possess the puck, set up teammates, and score key goals. Just as important, he is a high-energy personality who helps drag his teammates into battle. Radulov's love for the game is contagious, and when he is revved up, the pace of the game quickens. That could be perfect for Jim Montgomery this season as he seeks an aggressive and relentless game plan. It also could be perfect as Valeri Nichushkin returns from the KHL and might use Radulov as a mentor. In addition to understanding the transition from the KHL (Radulov came back to the NHL two seasons ago), Radulov also plays a similar game to Nichushkin. The young winger should be able to learn simply by watching Radulov every day.
BE LOUD, WEAR GREEN, GO STARS: [Single Game Tickets for all 2018-19 preseason and regular-season games are on sale now]

They said it

"Everything has been great. City is great, organization is great -- I felt good. The thing that is missing is a playoff spot. It is what it is, and we need to change that."-- Alexander Radulov on his first season in Dallas.

"I think the competitor in Rads makes others want to up their will. So when you talk to him, you have respect for him because he wants it so bad. Then, that rubs off on everyone."-- Stars coach Jim Montgomery on the impact of Radulov's energy on the team.

"They're very good players and it's nice to play with them. We didn't get it done at the end of the day, and we can play even better. That's what we want to do." -- Radulov on playing with linemates Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.

"It's his second and third efforts on pucks. That's part of the contagious stuff that he does. He is relentless, his work ethic is relentless, and I want our team to be relentless." -- Montgomery on how Radulov can set an example for his teammates.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.
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