CALGARY, Alberta -- The assimilation of Alexander Radulov is a tale that could take five years to unfold, but the Stars say they are ready for the ride.
"He's been as advertised," said Stars coach Ken Hitchcock. "He's incredibly creative, he's a really hard worker, he's been good for us."
And yet, Radulov, who signed a five-year free agent contract that averages $6.25 million in the summer, took nine games before he really hit stride Thursday in Edmonton. The veteran winger had just one empty net goal and three assists in his first nine games with Dallas, and Hitchcock even moved Radulov off the top line for a little while.