Where will Radulov go next? (Photo: Paul Nicolson/flickr)

In a tried and true manner, the trend of summer trading tends to start when the Stanley Cup Finals are coming to a close.

In Nashville’s case: bye, bye Radulov.

Predators’ GM David Poile made the bold announcement earlier today that Alexander Radulov will not be returning next season.

Although many viewed Radulov’s return to Nashville from the KHL as a smart business deal, Poile maintained to The Tennessean that

            “It’s time to not pursue Rad anymore.”

Despite Radulov’s expressed interest to remain in Nashville, Poile went on to tell The Tennessean that there have been talks with the KHL regarding Radulov’s return to a Russian team. Nashville however, is still looking to trade within the NHL. This would be an understandable wish, as the Predators could gain a draft pick with a NHL trade (they currently do not have a first or second round pick for this year’s draft).

While Radulov had impressive point production during his few months in Nashville, post season events could be a part of the reason for a trade. During round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn were suspended one game for breaking curfew as Nashville went on to lose the series. Shortly after the team’s elimination, it was revealed that Radulov had also been playing with a knee injury.

With the loss of Radulov, you have to wonder. What effect will this news have on resigning the other big guns of Nashville?