Radulov Extends with Lokomotiv on Old School Principles
The KHL trade deadline is approaching. The final date for transfers and additional signings is scheduled for January 25. In Yaroslavl, all attention is focused on the championship core of Lokomotiv, and work is primarily centered on the future of the team«s current players. On January 22, the club announced the signing of agreements with defenseman Andrei Sergeyev and forward Georgy Ivanov. On January 23, it became known that Maxim Shalunov will remain with Lokomotiv until 2028.
During the New Year holidays, one of the most important re-signings for the upcoming season was completed. Lokomotiv forward Alexander Radulov will continue to play for the team next year.
Leading Scorer
The player terminated his current contract with the club and signed a new one through the end of the 2026/2027 season. His agency commented on the decision.
«The decision to extend the contract was mutual. We were looking for a compromise on terms for a month. First and foremost, it was important for us to understand if Sasha himself was ready to continue playing. The man feels he has the strength and is willing to extend his career. We didn»t even think about other clubs. Radulov is completely satisfied with everything in Yaroslavl,« stated Alexander»s representatives.
Alexander Radulov joined the Yaroslavl team before the 2024/2025 season. In his first year with Lokomotiv, the forward, along with his teammates, won the Gagarin Cup. In playoff games, the forward scored 16 points (7 goals, 9 assists) in 21 games and received the award for most valuable player of the playoffs.
Last summer, despite the departure of head coach Igor Nikitin and offers from other clubs, Radulov decided to stay in Yaroslavl and signed a one-season contract. After winning the championship, the 39-year-old athlete«s interest and passion for hockey only increased.
The forward has become even more effective in attack. Currently, Radulov is the top scorer and point leader for his team. Alexander has nineteen goals and twenty assists. He has already surpassed the statistical indicators of last season«s regular championship.
«Can Take the Game Upon Himself»
His opinion on Alexander Radulov«s decision to continue his playing career was shared specifically for 76.RU by former coach of the Russian national hockey team Vladimir Plyushchev.
«Since the management signed the player, it means he meets all their criteria. He suits them for now. They believe they can count on him in the future. The contract was well thought out and offered. Radulov agreed to it. Probably, there are mutual interests from the club»s management, the coaching staff, and Alexander himself,« said Vladimir Plyushchev.
This year, Alexander will turn 40. Many fans wonder: will Radulov manage another season as a leader not only in the locker room but also on the ice, in a team that sets itself the highest goals?
«The experience of player Alexander Radulov is probably worth something for the team of Yaroslavl guys. That»s why the management is counting on him. And what does leader mean? It«s not someone who scores exclusively a lot. A leader is someone who in a difficult moment can take the game upon himself and advise young players, so I think that, at least according to the feedback from hockey players who are with him in the club, they are quite satisfied with the insurance he provides for them and the tips he gives,» explained the former coach of the Russian national team.
Vladimir Plyushchev added that the key to success is constant self-control.
«First, let»s start with the fact that the KHL is after all not the NHL. It«s a slightly different league, different level and requirements. Second, an athlete must take care of himself in the preseason period, when teams haven»t started training camps yet, but the body already needs to be prepared for loads. If all this is done correctly, then why couldn«t Alexander Radulov play until forty? Ovechkin at the same age is also playing in the NHL. Old school means old-school toughness, not »flashy wrappers!«» told 76.RU honored coach of Russia Vladimir Plyushchev.
According to Match TV, in the 2026/2027 season, Radulov will earn 60 million rubles (approximately $600,000 at current rates). Another 25 million rubles (about $250,000) the athlete could receive if he finishes among the top three scorers in the regular championship.
