One of the best players in Russia is returning to the NHL next season.

After spending the last three years in the Kontinental Hockey League, former Nashville Predators draft pick Alexander Radulov confirmed on Friday that he plans to join an NHL team for the 2016-17 season. Radulov was a winger for CSKA Moscow until becoming an unrestricted free agent recently.

Alexander Radulov confirms he will play in the #NHL next season — Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) April 29, 2016

This is significant because despite his on-and-off again relationship with the NHL over the last few seasons, Radulov has consistently been an elite player in Russia. He has 427 points in 338 games in the KHL, including a 71-point season that has him in line for his fourth MVP award.

The strong indication is that he will join the Colorado Avalanche. His agent confirmed coach Patrick Roy has spoken with him already about joining next season, and goalie Semyon Varlamov seems convinced Radulov's addition is a done deal.

Varlamov speaks to Russian media, says the #Avs are "waiting for Radulov. He'll be one of the leaders there." — Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) April 22, 2016

"All (Radulov) needs to do is dial Patrick (Roy) & his return will happen... I hope we can win the Cup with him" - Varlamov to Sport-Express — Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) April 22, 2016

Radulov set speculation off a few days ago when he didn't report for Russia's World Cup camp, indicating a return to the NHL was imminent. His relationship with the league is strained; Radulov was suspended by the Predators in 2008 when he reneged on his contract to play in the KHL instead. He returned in 2011 but was released by the Predators after the season.