The Nashville Predators have suspended forward Alexander Radulov indefinitely without pay for the 2008-09 season.
This past off-season, Radulov signed a contract with UFA of the Russian super league KHL despite having one year remaining on his existing contract with Nashville.
Radulov said that he informed the Predators that he wanted to return to play in Russia and that because there was at the time no active transfer agreement between the leagues, he did not believe he could be forced to return to play for Nashville.
The Predators had set a September 1st deadline for the 22-year old Radulov to notify the team of his intentions to return to the club to fulfill the contract or face suspension. With that deadline passed, the Predators were forced to suspend the player.
"We are disappointed Alex will not be with the Predators at the start of this season," Predators President of hockey operations and general manager David Poile said in a statement. "He is a world class player who demonstrated last season, with 26 goals and 58 points, that he is an emerging NHL talent. However, since he has not responded to our recent correspondence, we must move forward with our plans for the coming season.
"At some point, we hope Alex will have a desire to return to the NHL and compete in the best league in the world, with and against the best competition. We will re-visit his status at that time.
"Until then, we are focused on the players who are representing the Predators and providing them the necessary support and guidance. We will not allow Alex's situation to be a distraction and, as such, will have no further comment on Alex or his situation."
Radulov was also one of six players suspended by the International Ice Hockey Federation from all international competitions as they investigated the transfer.
In 145 career games, all with the Predators, Radulov has 44 goals and 51 assists.