Comments on: Zherdev confirms Atlanta rumors

By: Rajeev

Rajeev — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:37:54 +0000

it’s not just about price though. it has as much to do with with when he was able to price himself and enter the market – not until august. i agree, there was a serious miscalculation on the part of hi agent, yes he made a good play to get nik to ufa status, but becoming a ufa in a league that is significantly over bought – meaning teams have allocated too much money to too few players, and are now up against the cap or their internal budgets, leaving their rosters top heavy and leaving many proven nhl players without contracts, e.g. afinogenov, sykora, m.a. bergeron, skoula, betts, peca, comrie, etc. – is not an enviable position. zherdev def priced himself out of the rangers’ plans, though i dont think he realistically thought the rangers were going to resign after the coaching change and playoff debacle. if zherdev became a ufa on july 1, i think the odds are a lot smaller that he would still be a ufa right now. the money and cap space around the league is simply all gone. i agree, it was a tactical error. if he really wanted to stay in ny, or if he really wanted at least 3.25 mil, he should have just taken the qualifying offer. i cant imagine he had too much fun playing 14 min a night for tortarella though.

By: Kovazub94

Kovazub94 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:26:13 +0000

rajeev, you missing my point – Zherdev is not signed because he priced himself out of his market range. If he agreed to the qualified amount – he wouldn’t be on the market right now desperately seeking a new team. As it looks right now Zherdev should be very happy if anyone signs him for that and he should totally forget $3.9 let alone $4.5 m he was seeking. Firing his agent should be his first priority for either letting him or even inducing him down this road.
P.S. I don’t know what was the hold up with Tanguay but I’m sure it has to do with what was perceived as a serious shoulder injury and how much his July 1st asking price was…

By: rajeev

rajeev — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:37:54 +0000

it’s pretty easy to explain. all the money and the cap room is all gone. alex tanguay, who has 4 70-pt seasons in his career and a stanley cup and was a ufa for much longer than zherdev, just got signed last week at a fraction of his previous salary. if the rangers never qualified zherdev and he became a ufa on july 1, i think it’s fair to say he would not be still unsigned. though you never know. im hoping he catches on in atlanta, they would have a pretty skilled group of forwards.

By: Kovazub94

Kovazub94 — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:15:27 +0000

Corinne, if this is “a stone” in our direction then you should know that Laurie and I were one of Zherdev’s biggest supporters throughout. But you have to be honest as well and try to explain how such a talented, young and skilled UFA can’t find a home so late in the off-season?

By: corinne

corinne — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:56:09 +0000

I wish people would quit judging Niky for what the media portrays him at. He is a very well spoken young man with an uncanny ability who sees setbacks just like any young player would. I hope the Thrashers give him a chance to believe in himself again. Good Luck Niky! I’m always rooting from you even if it is from Columbus!