Posts Tagged Nikolai Zherdev

JovoCop out weeks … Kaberle open to negotiating with Bruins … Setoguchi won’t be moved for rental … All but 1 Panther available

  • Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Ed Jovanovski will be out several weeks after having surgery yesterday on his orbital bone fracture. He suffered the fracture after crashing into Thrashers forward Patrice Cormier.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley on the possibility of trading Zach Bogosian, “People ask me that all the time. I say the same thing. Wayne Gretzky was traded. There are no untouchables that I know of. Certainly not in Atlanta. I’m not actively looking to trade Zach and I don’t expect to trade him.”
  • Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun: (The reporter that Burke went after in the Kaberle press conference yesterday. Burke misunderstood the question, audio in the Kaberle trade post). “Of course. We want to do both,” [Burke] said. “We are not throwing in the towel. No way.” He’ll be looking for a defenseman that could fill some of Kaberle’s minutes.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will travel with the team to Carolina, but doesn’t know if he’ll start or be the backkup.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer:  After moving out Ian White for a pick and bringing in Derek Joslin, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford added, “We do have flexibility if something comes along in the next week that makes sense for us.”
  • George Richards via twitter: Scouts at the Panthers-Red Wings game: Devils, Hurricanes, Senators, Penguins, Canucks, Red Wings, Rangers, Kings, Wild, and 2 from Blackhawks.
  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Alex Goligoski’s solid play has put his name in the rumor mill in connection with bringing in some offense, but “The way Goligoski has played this season, it might be a no-brainer for GM Ray Shero to keep him for the foreseeable future.”
  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Aaron Asham joins Sidney Crosby and Eric Tangradi as Penguins who are out with a concussion, and it doesn’t appear he’ll return anytime soon. No update on Crosby’s concussion. Chris Kunitz and Mark Letestu are progressing but still not ready. Nick Johnson left practice yesterday after suffering an upper-body injury.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Devin Setoguchi could be available for a defenseman, but he won’t be moved for a rental. If the Hurricanes fall out of contention, Joni Pitkanen could become available. Oilers Ales Hemsky, Ladislav Smid, and Tom Gilbert could all be had for the right price. Word is that Panthers GM Dale Tallon has made all his players available except Stephen Weiss (the guy who would get the most interest). Cory Stillman will get interest, Chris Higgins is getting minor interest. Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen’s name is coming up in some conversations. The Flyers are trying to move Nikolai Zherdev. The Sabres could make Craig Rivet and Jordan Leopold available.

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Habs looking for top 6 and a Dman … Senators that are/might be available … White may be dealt soon … Flyers shopping Zherdev

  • David Pagnotta via twitter: The Canadiens are still looking for a top 6 forward, and adding Paul Mara doesn’t prevent them from adding another defenseman. Mara was a depth move with a cap hit of $210,000 for them. Still looking to add another Dman.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray,

    “I’m not trying to trade everybody,” said Murray following the Kelly deal.

    “I’m trying to trade some other people or move some other people, but it’s certainly not a housecleaning by any means.”

    Top candidates to be moved by the Senators: Chris Phillips, Jarkko Ruutu, Chris Neil (Pens and Habs interested), and Chris Campoli. Possible Senators on the move: Milan Michalek, Filip Kuba and Matt Carkner. They’ll try to move Sergei Gonchar and Alex Kovalev.

  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Carolina Hurricanes are considering a trade offer for Ian White, and he could be moved in the next day or two, or not at all.

    “Teams out there are looking for different things, and we have something to consider,” Rutherford said in an interview Wednesday. “This could go one way or the other.

    “We have an offer, so we decided to pull [White] back for a day or two. But he could be back in the lineup this week.”

    It’s not known which team made the offer, if it was a player-for-player deal or draft picks or prospects.

  • Anthony Sanfilippo of DelcoTimes: Ville Leino missed last night’s game but should be able to go Friday according to Paul Holmgren. The Flyers opted to use Jody Shelly instead of Nik Zherdev in Leino’s place. The Flyers are trying to trade Zherdev, and if they can’t find any takers he might get waived.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: When talking about Ales Hemsky trade rumors he asked, “What am I worth?” Matheson thinks that when looking at the deal the Senators and Leafs got for Mike Fisher and Kris Versteeg, it would be more than that. A 1st round pick and another draft pick or good NHLer?
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Atlanta Thrashers have begun contract talks with Andrew Ladd, and should have a deal done by the trade deadline. Strickland doesn’t see the Avalanche doing much. The Blue Jackets will look to move a Dman for a forward. Penguins are looking for a forward, with minor rumblings that they’d move Alex Goligoski. Don’t expect anything from the Blackhawks. If the Sabres fallout of playoff contention they might move Jordan Leopold. A couple teams are looking at Blues forward Brad Winchester, including the Canucks. The Blues have made Ty Conklin available and will consider Eric Brewer who would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the right team.
  • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Brunside doesn’t see the Flyers doing much more given their cap situation. The Lightning are looking for defensive help, and won’t give up a 1st or 2nd round picks in a trade. LeBrun doesn’t think the Hurricanes will move Joni Pitkanen unless the fall out of contention before the deadline. John-Michael Liles may be a fallback for the “failed Kaberle suitors.” Alex Kovalev could be a nice fit in Pittsburgh, maybe for a 4th or 5th round pick.

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3 goalies in Philly … Injured Sens … Jackets interested in Del Zotto … Philly shopped Carcillo, Zherdev and vanRiemsdyk

Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Michael Leighton lead the Philadelphia Flyers to the Stanley Cup last year, now he finds himself as the #3 goalie in Philly. The Flyers don’t want to send Leighton or Brian Boucher to the AHL as they’d have to clear waivers and would likely be claimed. Sergei Bobrovsky is on a 2-way contract but has claimed the #1 job. The NHL Christmas trade freeze is in effect until Dec. 27th. Tampa could use a goalie, and Washington may be interested in a veteran.

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Injuries are taking toll on some Ottawa Senators; Kovalev has a bad knee, Milan Michalek has had knee issues since being drafted, Daniel Alfredsson rarely practices, and Mike Fisher has a bad shoulder. The Columbus Blue Jackets in search of a offensive defenseman have inquired about NY Rangers Michael Del Zotto. They may have been offering former Rangers, Fedor Tyutin, but it would take more. Nikita Filatov? The Philadelphia Flyers have been trying to clear some cap space, including Daniel Carcillo, Nikolai Zherdev or James vanRiemsdyk. They want a 1st round draft pick plus another pick for James vanRiemsdyk.

Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Kyle Quincey will undergo season ending shoulder surgery. Team doctor,  “After physical and diagnostic tests, the decision has been made to repair his shoulder at this time.”

Dan O’Neill of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The St. Louis Blues activated defenseman Roman Polak from IR yesterday and returned Ian Cole to the AHL. The Blues also announced that Dave Scatchard will be out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury.

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Leafs and Lightning interested in Gagne … Filatov returning in August … No Modano in Anaheim

  • Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: When asked if he’s interested in trading for Simon Gagne, Brian Burke said in an email, “Not at this time”. The Maple Leafs, Kings and Rangers are said to be interested. Fuller took Burke’s comments to mean that ‘talks are in the initial stages’. Trading for Gagne could be an affordable risk the Leafs could take, both for salary and injury wise. The Flyers would probably want a prospect in return as they are looking to shed salary. Fuller brings up the idea of shipping Kaberle to Boston or wh0ever for prospects, which in turn could be sent to Philly.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested in Flyers winger Simon Gagne. Gagne would give the Lightning 2 solid lines: Gagne-Lecavalier-St. Louis and Malone-Stamkos-Downie. The Lightning are about $14 million below the salary cap ceiling. The Lightning have 8 bodies along the blueline, and/or they have depth in ‘high-end goaltending prospects’. Would Gagne waive his no-trade clause for the Lightning?
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Nikita Filatov will be returning to Columbus early/mid August, and he’s looking forward to returning to the NHL. Tyler Wright, the teams developmental coach was over in Russia for several days and came back impressed with Filatov. Filatov is excited about the new direction of the coaching staff.
  • ChicagoBreakingSports: The Chicago Blackhawks have turned their attention to goaltender Antti Niemi. Niemi’s arbitration hearing is set for July 29th, but his agent Bill Zito would like to get something done before then. “We’re confident we have a good case, but with that said, there is always risk,” Zito said of the unpredictability of a hearing. “It’s just like going to court … Did O.J. (Simpson) really not do it?”
  • Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Nikolai Zherdev could find himself on the line with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter if Simon Gagne is traded, or alongside Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There were rumors that the Anaheim Ducks were interested in signing Mike Modano, but that is not the case. From GM Bob Murray, “we are not involved in talks with Modano.” The Ducks don’t really need a centerman, but they could use some help on the blueline.
  • Mike Russo via Twitter: The Minnesota Wild won’t be signing Bobby Ryan to an offer sheet, they’ve traded away their 2nd round pick.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: From Maxim Afinogenov, “I wouldn’t mind staying in Atlanta but the current offers from the team are not satisfactory.”

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More on that Kovalchuk guy … Gagne might get waived if trade can’t be found … Chara, Bergeron getting extension?

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ilya Kovalchuk wants to play in Los Angeles, and the Kings would like to have, but the Kings won’t pay the money/term that Kovalchuk wants. The Kings may be looking to avoid a ‘Blackhawks’ situation, with several young cornerstone to be signed. The Kings (and other teams) don’t want to pay in the $10 million range, as it’s difficult to build a competitive team around that player in the ‘cap era’.

    But perhaps more intriguing is this rumor making the circles among owners and team executives — the league will fight for a lower salary cap (by changing the way the percentages are calculated in order to get a lower cap) in the next collective bargaining agreement two years from now (the players will likely be led into the next labor talks by the battled-tested Donald Fehr and will certainly have a say in that).

    The announcement of Nikolai Zherdev signing may be on hold until the player transfer from the KHL to NHL goes through. Simon Gagne hasn’t agreed to waive his no-trade clause, yet. “I have a no-trade clause and I haven’t removed it,” Gagne said in French on RDS (the French sister network of TSN). “But certainly the Flyers have cap issues and I’m a player with one year left on my deal … The next few days will maybe help us find out what’s going to happen in my case.”

  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins have had initial talks with Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, both would unrestricted free agents next July 1st. Talks will pick up later in the summer, and they hope to have both deals locked up before the season starts. David Krejci will have the screws removed from broken wrist in 4 weeks, but still should be ready for the beginning of training camp.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson would like to add a puck moving defenseman, and has done some investigating, but nothing is imminent. Possible targets could be Kevin Bieksa, Tomas Kaberle and Sheldon Souray.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: “nothing going on right now” according to Marty Turco. Turco turned down a 3 year, $6 million deal from Philadelphia. Philly may not have the money to offer Turco another deal. He might have to settle with a 1 year deal in the $2 million range to prove himself. Heika still thinks he’ll land with the San Jose Sharks.

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Kings out of the Kovalchuk sweepstakes, again … Zherdev to Flyers could happen today … Leafs looking for winger, not centerman

Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Los Angeles Kings have once again said no to Ilya Kovalchuk. The Kings looked at Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman’s, proposal and found they wouldn’t be able to retain some of their young players who’ll be RFA’s in the near future. Kings governor Tim Leiweke, “Dean is trying here, but we know what we need in cap space going forward to keep our nucleus together. We can’t let one guy throw us into panic in a year or two. It is not about cash. It is about cap.” The Kings have reportedly offered 12 years, $63 million ($5.25 million cap hit), and 13 years, $84.5 million ($6.5 million cap hit). The Kings will now probably go back to looking at trades for a winger and top 4 Dman. Their interest in Simon Gagne has lessened.

Larry Brooks via Twitter: Not confirmed, but the New Jersey Devils may have offered Kovalchuk a ‘lifetime’ deal that would give him his $100 million.

Larry Brooks via Twitter: From a reliable source, the Kings have offered a 12 year deal with an average of $5.3 million. Not going to happen, but might open up other options.

Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Philadelphia Flyers and Nikolai Zherdev are close on a deal,  and it could be finalized today. Zherdev has been looking for a multi-year deal worth in the $4 million range. The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres had shown some interest. The signing of Zherdev would mean that Simon Gagne and his $5.25 million cap hit will be traded.

The Hockey News via Twitter: Brian Burke talked with the The Hockey News, and was asked about the idea that they lack top centers, “Right now, we’re looking for a winger, not a center. So we disagree with the public, I guess.”

Ryan Rishaug via Twitter: Rishaug thinks it would be a good fit for the Oilers to make a trade for Ryan Smyth, who could use his leadership. If the deal were to happen, Rishaug thinks it would be in-season trade if the right pieces fell into place.

Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks may be looking for a reliable, physical wingers. The Canucks have 22 players signed with $300,000 in cap space. That doesn’t include Cody Hodgson’s $1.6 million cap hit and Mason Raymond, who’s awaiting arbitration. The Canucks are still considering dealing Kevin Bieksa and his $3.75 million cap hit without taking back much salary. In an interview on Tuesday though, GM Mike Gillis seemed like he wasn’t in a rush to deal Bieksa and could even consider retaining Bieksa.

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Nabokov going to Russia … Zherdev signing with the Flyers? No comment for Kovalchuk agent

4:37 PM:

Helene Elliott via Twitter: “Kings believed to have gotten a proposal from Kovalchuk, but nothing has been settled and no response is imminent.”

4:20 PM:
Aaron Portzline via Twitter: Flyers and Zherdev deal could be finalized tonight.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Joe Corvo and the Carolina Hurricanes reach a 2 year deal worth $4.5 million.

1:40 PM:

Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Evgeni Nabokov signs with the SKA St. Peterburgh.

Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Nikolai Zherdev may be signing with the Philadelphia Flyers according to reports from Russia.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, would not comment on the talks with the LA Kings. Maple Leafs still searching for a top 6 forward. “We continue to listen on Kaberle and to explore other trade opportunities,” Leafs GM Brian Burke told ESPN.com via e-mail. If they don’t get a top 6 forward, they’ll keep Kaberle. Nabokov is close to signing with SKA. Paul Kariya still wants to play and will wait for a good fit. The Montreal Canadiens and Carey Price have had talks, but no serious progress has been made, there is no rush to get a deal done. Buffalo Sabres have signed Rob Niedermayer.

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Nikolai Zherdev not joining the Maple Leafs

TSN: TSN is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs are not interested in signing Nikolai Zherdev. Zherdev is looking to come back to the NHL next season, and is seeking a multi-year deal paying in the neighborhood of $4 million per season.

The 25-year old Zherdev played last season in the KHL, recording 13 goals and 26 assists in 52 games with Altant.

His last NHL season was in 2008-09 with the New York Rangers, scoring 23 goals and 35 assists in 82 games.

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Leafs talking to Afinogenov … Yzerman still shopping … Bieksa receiving interest

David Pagnotta via Twitter: The Stars are still dangling Mike Ribeiro, but nothing is close.

Rob Rossi via Twitter: The Penguins will take the weekend to look at some trade possibilities. They’d like to add a veteran ‘character’ guy who is cheap.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Not saying the Maple Leafs will sign Maxim Afinogenov, but there’s been conversations.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Oilers won’t be putting Sheldon Souray through re-entry waivers, as they have zero interest in eating half his salary.

Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: Yzerman is still looking for a Dman, and has interest in forwards, only at the right price.

Jason Botchford via Twitter: 10 teams have called about Vancouver’s Kevin Bieksa.

David Pagnotta via Twitter: Willie Mitchell has a couple offers but nothing is close.

Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: 2 teams in the Northeast division have an interest in Nik Zherdev.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Detroit Red Wings are the only team to call Mike Modano so far.

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Burke outlines what it will take to get Kaberle … Phaneuf to be new Leaf Captain … Would Flyers trade Carter for a frontline goalie?

  • David Shoatls of the Globe and Mail: Brian Burke confirmed yesterday that Dion Phaneuf will be named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs haven’t had a captain since Sundin left after the 2007-08 season. Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek will probabaly be assistant captains if Tomas Kaberle is dealt. The Leafs are also unvailing their new jersey (probably just adding the bottom stripes and a patch). Burke also offered this regarding a Kaberle trade, “I’m going to go for the best player I can get to help my team,” Burke said. “If it’s not a good enough player, would I take a first[-round pick], if it’s a second-tier player? Yes.”
  • Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers may have do some minor tinkering to their lineup, or they can make some bold moves. They have a young core in Richards, Carter, Giroux, Leino, and van Riemsdyk, but also an older crew; Pronger, Briere, Timonen, Gagne and Laperiere. Michael Leighton could be brought back at a low contract, and they could look to acquire a front line goalie, but does Leighton now think he’s a frontline goalie? Would the Flyers move out Carter to acquire that front line goalie?
  • 4period.ru: Reports out of Russia are once again confirming Nikolai Zherdev is looking to come back to the NHL. I wonder if next summer there will be reports that Zherdev is looking to go back the KHL.
  • Chip Alexander of Raleigh News & Observer: The Carolina Hurricanes will fill their backup goalie position from within as GM Jim Rutherford has said Justin Peters will backup Cam Ward. Peters spent the majority of the season in the AHL, compiling a 26-18-2 record with a 2.54 GAA and .917 SV%. He made is NHL debut last year while Cam Ward was injured, posting a 6-3-0 record with a 2.83 GAA and .903 SV%.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Chris Chelios didn’t say he was going to retire, but he wants to spend more time with his family in Detroit. Please Chris, you’ve had a great career (not including the last couple years), it’s now time to retire.

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Gagne for Thomas? Zherdev Coming back to NHL? 2011 Winter Classic in Pittsburgh

  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: At the trade deadline, it was rumored that the Philadelphia Flyers offered Simon Gagne to Boston for Tim Thomas. Gagne has 1 year left on his deal at $5.25, Thomas has 3 years and a $5 million cap hit.
  • Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette: The Jaroslav Halak – Carey Price debate goes on in Montreal. Cowan thinks the Canadiens should keep Halak and trade Price. It may turn out to be a good move by not trading either at the deadline, see what Halak can do in the playoffs, and then make their decision in the off-season. It will definitely be interesting to see which goalie they decide to keep, and what they can get in return for the other.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal:
    • Mathson thinks the Blackhawks will buyout Cristobal Huet after this season. It would be a $1.8 cap hit for the next 4 years.
    • The Detroit Red Wings could offer Nicklas Lidstrom a “Joe Sakic one-year-at-a-time” contract at around $5 million a year.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal:
    • If Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne retire, there should be plenty of room to re-sign Bobby Ryan and bring in a top blueliner. Matheson thinks Ryan could be re-signed for about $4 million a year, a deal similar to Nathan Horton’s 6 year, $24 million. I think it will take more than that, somewhere in the $4.5 to $5 million neighborhood.
    • The Edmonton Oilers are one of about 8 teams interested in Finnish goalie, Jussi Rynnas.
    • Matheson thinks it makes more sense for the Oilers to take center Tyler Seguin over LWer Taylor Hall. Seguin could center RWer Jordan Eberle and LWer Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. If the Bruins win the Lottery with the Maple Leafs pick, they’d most likely take winger Taylor Hall as they have Savard, Krejci and Bergeron up middle.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The Penguins are rumored to be the leading candidates to host the 2011 Winter Classic. The January 1st game would be played at Heinz Field, with the Washington Capitals the potential opponents.
  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Zherdev is considering returning to the NHL next year, and has already received 3 offers. Zherdev’s contract ends at the end of April.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sergei Gonchar has missed the last 3 games with an illness, but is expected back soon. Evgeni Malkin has missed 6 or 7 (4 consecutive) with a bruised right foot, could resume skating in the next couple days. The Pens want to make sure he’s 100% before they put him back in the lineup.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne is unsure if he’ll retire following the season. “Dealing with what I’ve had this year, in many ways it has been a nightmare because of the injuries,” Selanne said. “But everything else, I really enjoy it. Anytime I have been healthy, I think I have played well. I have enjoyed playing. That’s what I want. “It’s hard to get hurt all the time. Especially at this age.”
  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: Milan Michalek of the Ottawa Senators say he will miss a couple weeks with a knee injury, and will attempt to comback wearing a brace. McKenzie thinks differently, and that an ACL injury (if surgery required) can take anywhere from 6 months to a year.
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    Nikolai Zherdev Rejected by Rangers

    We have sources indicating that Nikolai Zherdev has offered to return to the New York Rangers, for the same money he originally refused, but the Rangers have passed on the offer.

    “The Post has learned that the agent for Nikolai Zherdev, who rejected the Rangers’ $3.25 million qualifier and then became a free agent when the team walked away from his $3.9 million arbitration award, called the club this week offering to return for $3.25 million. The offer was refused”

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    Nikolai Zherdev going to KHL

    A week after the New York Rangers walked away from Nikolai Zherdev’s salary arbitration ruling, the free agent appears headed to the Russian based KHL.

    According to RDS.ca, Zherdev is expected to sign a deal with Salavatovo Yuleav Ufa, a team that also employees former NHL’ers Alexander Perezhogin and Alexander Radulov.(source-TSN)

    The financial terms haven’t been disclosed but it’s apparent that the KHL is becoming a real contender with the NHL for signing talent. With the trend of waiting to sign 2nd tier free agents this summer it might become more frequent to see player going over-seas, especially European players.

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    Zherdev a Free Agent

    The New York Rangers have decided to walk away from a salary arbitration ruling to Nikolai Zherdev, making the forward an unrestricted free agent.

    Zherdev was awarded a one-year, $3.9 million contract following his hearing on Friday. He was reportedly looking for $4.75 million, while the Rangers were offering less than $3.2 million.(source-TSN)

    This is an interesting situation. Maybe the Rangers read our “Top 10 Worst NHL Contracts” article a decided they had enough of being the front runners in that regard. Nikolai Zherdev is a talented player with all kinds of upside but he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations thus far in his career. After letting Nic Antropov walk earlier in the off-season when he was asking for ridiculous money, it appears Glen Sather has done the same with Nikolai Zherdev.

    From here there are 2 possible outcomes. Nikolai Zherdev continues to play uninspired hockey elsewhere and Sather looks brilliant, or he gets it going the way we all expected he would and the Rangers finally get some new leadership at the management level.

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