What about Zherdev?

Griff83 · Post #1 » by **Griff83** » Mon Aug 3, 2009 11:53 pm

Now im not the biggest Nik Zherdev fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I wont deny that the kid has phenominal top end talent and a move like this could be worth the risk. He was just awarded 3.9 million a year in arbitration and it sounds like the Rangers will be looking to move him. He would present this team with at least a decent first line stop gap center until we can land a bigger fish either thru trade or free agency. Hes still only 24 years old and hopefully if the Rangers do infact deal him, he wakes up fast and realize's that his skill alone will not cut it in the NHL and he needs to start to put in more work and play harder. Apparently rumour has it that the Leafs are interested. What would you give up for him? Ian White/pick?

2008 stats - 25 goals, 35 assists
2009 stats- 23 goals, 35 assists

This was also playing under two very defensive minded coachs in Ken Hitchcock and Tom Renney.

Heres a little glimsp of the kind of talent the kid has

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyoriKeZbyk

Post #2 » by **bryant08** » Tue Aug 4, 2009 11:21 pm

Well know that he's a UFA, I'm definitely in. I mean especially if this guy is willing to take more money for a 1 year deal. His talent level is undeniable and I think we have a great use for another guy who can play in the top 6.

Kulemin-Grabovsky-Zherdev

If that's a line next year either first or second and getting big minutes, I can see Zherdev hitting 32-35 goals.

jim todd · Post #3 » by **jim todd** » Wed Aug 5, 2009 1:15 am

yep. he can be had for nothing now that he's a free agent, and he fits nicely into the top two lines both now and in the future because of his combination of youth and ability. hard to ignore a guy like this when he's available.
you've got to believe that burke will at least place a call.

Griff83 · Post #4 » by **Griff83** » Wed Aug 5, 2009 5:32 pm

Yep its not very often a player with his kind of skills becomes a UFA at such a young age. He has some drawbacks in terms of attitude and consistancy but hes still young and would be the most skilled player on the team. Hes also a guy whos capable to play two positions in either RW or C and thats valueble on a team that isnt too strong up the middle or how many quality right handed forwards.

Burke has just said today that he has no interest so its too bad, some team will get a steal if they can sign him.

jim todd · Post #5 » by **jim todd** » Wed Aug 5, 2009 11:08 pm

Griff83 wrote:Yep its not very often a player with his kind of skills becomes a UFA at such a young age. He has some drawbacks in terms of attitude and consistancy but hes still young and would be the most skilled player on the team. Hes also a guy whos capable to play two positions in either RW or C and thats valueble on a team that isnt too strong up the middle or how many quality right handed forwards.

Burke has just said today that he has no interest so its too bad, some team will get a steal if they can sign him.

that's unfortunate, maybe burke didn't like zherdev's asking price...