Zherdev

[DEATHTRON 19]

Please excuse my ignorance, but I was running through sportsnet.ca and noticed under Zherdev's transaction list it said "Jul 20, 2006: Signed with the Khimik Voskresensk of the Russian League." http://www2.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/Nikolai_Zherdev/

He isnt really going back to Russia is he?

Zach

[SR27 0]

I think it was TSN that reported it while back. He signed a contract with the russian team but it will only be effective if he is not signed by the Jackets until a certain date. Much like Kovalchuk last year I think.

[McCabe24 0]

Hopefully the Jackets get him signed, he could certainly score over 30 goals on a line with a healthy Nash and average Fedorov.

[Bane 1]

Hopefully the Jackets get him signed, he could certainly score over 30 goals on a line with a healthy Nash and average Fedorov.

The issue is that Zherdev wants a multi-year contract. Doug McClean in his infinite stupidity, says that "Zherdev has a lot to prove still." Zherdev has already had two good seasons in the NHL, and is only getting better. It would seem to me that now would be the time to sign him to a multi-year deal to lock him up at a relatively affordable price. With this and the loss of Denis, I thinkit is time for McClean to be done as a GM.

[McCabe24 0]

I'd sign him to a 1-1.5 mil type contract for whatever length he wants, if he scores 30 and wants Havlat money then you are somewhat screwed but if he sucks at least you have a great price for one of your top six forwards.

[Chadd 916]

I'd sign him to a 1-1.5 mil type contract for whatever length he wants, if he scores 30 and wants Havlat money then you are somewhat screwed but if he sucks at least you have a great price for one of your top six forwards.

He wants something like $3M a year for 3-4 years.

[djinferno 2]

so let me get this strait, he want's to go back where Malkin just left?

If I remember, his transfer was not easy either...

Sure, go back Zherdi :lol:

[Jim A 4]

I'm not McLean's biggest fan..but I hope he stares him down..

[mack 44]

Damn, I'd be hard-pressed to give him $3mil total over those 3-4 years.

[cbj30 0]

Some of the things MacLean is saying are very true. Back in 2003-04 Zherdev bolted from Russia and it took a bit to keep him in a Blue Jacket uniform and now he wants to go back??

[kosydar 0]

They should trade him. His return right now would be very high. Let some other team deal with signing him.

[mack 44]

They still need a C; definitely a good move.

[cbj30 0]

They still need a C; definitely a good move.

We don't need a centre, we have Gilbert Brule. Zherdev is an important part of the CBJ organisation!!