I just wanted to make a thread for my favourite player. This thread can be used to discuss Zherdev or just give updates on him. His arbitration hearing was yesterday so a decision should be made by the end of the weekend if he will re-sign with the Rangers or become a UFA.
Zherdev was given a $3.9M salary award in arbitration. The Rangers have until noon Tuesday to accept the award or else Zherdev will become a UFA.
Eh. I'm a bit torn. He was as advertised, getting off to a hot start, then being inconsistent. You can tell he has the skill, yet he can't seem to put it together and would often try to go one on one (on a good off-night) or just be invisible the entire game (on a bad off-night). I don't think the Rangers have any use for him since Gaborik is on the team but I doubt that'll solve our scoring woes. Yet at the same time, I don't think they have a center that can play with him.
Yeah I'm sad to see him go. He became my favourite player because of this past season. His play definatley took a dip when Torts took over for Renney. And he was pointless in the playoffs versus the Caps. With Kotalik and Gaborik being brought in Z's future is almost set in stone. I wish Nikolai the best and I will always like him as a player no matter what. I was planning on buying a jersey with his name on it too for this season! I think I might get a Gaborik one instead.
I'd hold off on the Gaborik one too. I know he's a big signing for the Rangers but he's a huge risk as well. We'll see if he can stay healthy and even if he does, the most important thing is production. After the signings of Gomez and Drury, I never thought we'd see Gomer shipped off after only 2 seasons. Plus, all Ranger fans remember Theor Fleury, Kamensky, Kevin Hatcher, Kevin Stevens, Bobby Holik, etc. Big name signings never helped this team.
Here is a vid of some of his highlights in the first half of the season when he was on fire. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrbgFib7UAU"]YouTube - Nikolai Zherdev: The Greater Good[/ame] He has a hell of a shot, cool under pressure in shootouts, can be physical, and has some of the softest hands in the league. I still can't believe the Rangers don't want him anymore, I know they made him a qualifying offer but now it's almost certain they wont take the arbitration awarded salary. Kotalik can't replace Z.
As expected the Rangers passed on the arbitration salary and Zherdev is now a UFA. Bigggggggg mistake New York.
I really wish Zherdev had more drive. That his one of the things that has hindered him his whole NHL career. He's only 24, it would be stupid of him to go back to the KHL already if that report is true.
http://www.spectorshockey.net/index...to-play-in-khl&catid=13:latest-news&Itemid=21 Signs with Yulaev Salavat.
Very true about the guy. I remember watching the World Jrs when they were in Halifax/Sydney and watching the Russians. Before the tourney all the talk was Ovechkin and Zherdev but when it came time to play only one player shown and that was Alex. Even in the NHL there wasn't much I seen that proved to me he was going to be the next talented Russian forward.
After spending last season in the KHL with Atlant Moscow Nikolai Zherdev has returned to the NHL signing a 1 year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers today.
Zherdev has cleared waivers after being being waived earlier this week by the Flyers. In 48 games he had 19 points. (15 goals and 4 assists)