The Dallas Stars signed right winger Alexander Radulov on Monday to a $31.25 million, five-year deal, the richest contract given to an unrestricted free agent this off-season.
The Stars obtained the top player available on the market on Day 3 of free agency.
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Radulov will count $6.25 million against the salary cap through 2021-22.
“Alexander is a dynamic playmaker with top-end speed and skill,” general manager Jim Nill said.
“To add a forward of this stature to our line-up makes our top six as deep and talented as any group in this league.”
The 30-year-old Russian had 18 goals and 36 assists for 54 points last season with the Montreal Canadiens after returning to the NHL following four seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League.
He played on a $5.75 million, one-year deal and was looking for a long-term agreement this time around.
READ MORE: Montreal Canadiens sign Alexander Radulov to one year $5.75 M contract
Radulov got that from the Stars, who also signed centre Martin Hanzal for $14.25 million over three years, acquired defenceman Marc Methot from Vegas and traded for and signed goaltender Ben Bishop.
Radulov said Montreal offered him a similar salary but not as many years as Dallas had until he already agreed to sign with the Stars.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent forward Ales Hemsky on Monday.
The 33-year-old Czech had seven points (4-3) in 15 games with the Dallas Stars last season.
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Hemsky made his NHL debut with Edmonton in 2002-03 and spent over a decade with the Oilers.
In 838 career regular-season games, Hemsky has 174 goals and 398 assists for 572 points.
He has 21 points (7-14) in 43 playoff games.