Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Leandro Damiao Is Still Really Good

NHL News: Could Little Nik be Reunited with Big Nik in Atlanta?

Unrestricted free agent Nikolai Zherdev still hasn't found a new home for the 2009-2010 NHL season, but according to an interview with the winger on Russian site Sport-Express, he could be just days away from inking an NHL pact.  The 24-year old winger reports that he has a number of options on the table, but is most interested in joining the Atlanta Thrashers, where he'd be part of a Russian-speaking contingent that includes fellow former Ranger Nikolai Antropov, Vyacheslav Kozlov and superstar Ilya Kovalchuk.  Zherdev, who has spent the past few weeks training with Kovalchuk in Moscow, suggests that a one year deal with the Thrashers is his most likely option for the upcoming campaign.  That should serve as a pretty good indication that the offer on the table is nowhere near the reported $4.5m payday he was seeking from the Rangers.

- What’s the situation with your future?

- Negotiations are underway with several teams, but for the time being I’m in limbo — no contract has been signed.  I hope that everything will be settled in the next 2-3 days.

- Is it possible to say that you’ll definitely remain in the NHL?

- Yes, now it’s only a matter of NHL clubs.  With Russian teams the question is closed.

- In the North American press there is conjecture that you could be excellent in combination with Kovalchuk and Antropov in Atlanta.

- The most serious dialog goes on with the Thrashers.  It’s true there are other options.  But personally I would like to end up in Atlanta, where several good Russian players play.  It would be comfortable and pleasant to play with them.

- Have you already talked to Kovalchuk about this topic?

- I’m actively preparing for the season with him now, and of course I asked him about the city and the conditions on the team.  Ilya, naturally, invites me to Atlanta with all his might (laughs). The company could indeed turn out to be first class.  As you know I played last season with Antropov on the Rangers, we even shared a room [on the road].  And there’s also Vyacheslav Kozlov.  Most likely, I’ll sign a contract with the Thrashers for one year — to begin with, it’s necessary to familiarize myself [with the team/city].

Zherdev goes on to discuss his recent snub by national team head coach Vyacheslav Bykov, who failed to invite the flashy but flighty forward to Russia's Olympic camp this past weekend, and vows to earn a trip to Vancouver with his play over the first half of the season.  For the full translation, see Beyond the Blueshirts. 

Comment 11 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

well at least we may now know where he will be haunting the Rangers from, LOL

Great job, thanks Laurie

Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers

Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Sep 2, 2009 2:29 PM EDT reply actions  

hes going to be sick with Kovalchuk and Antropov

Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.

by Joe Fortunato on Sep 2, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

This I’m actually shocked at. I thought teams would be jumping at him for $3.5 million a year. If he signs for $1.25 million, his agent should jump off a cliff.

by Dave Shapiro on Sep 2, 2009 2:40 PM EDT reply actions  

if he signs and plays with Kovy he will net 80 pts even taking half the nights off. i could easily see him scoring 35 goals on a line and power play with kovalchuk

by Michael Gleich on Sep 2, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions  

agreed...

this would be a great fit for him…. and good for him!
but honestly, I don’t think the Rangers this year would have been a good fit for him, and I’m glad he’s gone.
Guys like this need the perfect situation, and this may be one for him.

by j-red on Sep 2, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kovalchuk would benefit from a guy like Zherdev, and Zherdev would benefit from a guy like Kovie. This could be a pretty lethal combo in the East if it happens.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Sep 2, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t see Zherdev on their first line, if they shift Antropov to center, that would push Little and White down a spot, I think he’s much more likely to play RW on the second line with Kozlov and White.

by KingHenrik on Sep 2, 2009 5:37 PM EDT reply actions  

That is of course if he even signs there…and knowing Z he doesn’t exactly have the finest grip on what is going on around him.

by KingHenrik on Sep 2, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

The Thrashers

already have my vote for most improved club for the coming ‘09-’10 season. If they add Zherdev, they could even do some damage in the playoffs.

http://hockeyplumber.blogspot.com/

by the plumber on Sep 2, 2009 8:15 PM EDT reply actions  

kovie will probably get to play with whoever he wants so if he works out with kovie i would imagine he probably would enjoy playing with Z. remember they are probably gonna do whatever it takes to keep kovie happy so he stays after he becomes an UFA.

by Conway on Sep 3, 2009 12:10 AM EDT reply actions  

i see a trend

kovalchuk has been known to give up in games, antropov didnt live up to expectations in Toronto, Zherdev has been a 60 point scorer with 90point potential for four years now, and Kozlov is a player who scores alot and still has a big minus 15 for the year… I guess guess Atlanta’s new motto (with/without zerdev) could be Go big or go home.

by louielounz1 on Sep 3, 2009 1:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

New York Rangers News, Analysis, Line Combinations, Schedule And Stats

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Christmasflyingpig_small
If I asked you....

Recent FanPosts

Thumbnail_small
An interesting SI article
Brian-leetch_best_small
Brooks Says Rangers And Jackets Talked About Nash
Star-wars-art-1_small
The King Indeed
Thumbnail_small
Rinaldo Faces Hearing
Small
Can You Hear Us?...
Small
Rangers have interest in Brad Boyes?
Ny_rangers_salute_small
How Would You Feel if Dubinsky Was Traded?
Thumbnail_small
Rangers Want Nash
Microphones_small
Who is the Rangers best Defenseman?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Atlantic Standings

GP W L OTL PT
New York Rangers 55 37 13 5 79
Philadelphia 56 31 18 7 69
Pittsburgh 56 32 19 5 69
New Jersey 56 32 20 4 68
New York Islanders 56 24 24 8 56

(updated 2.15.2012 at 8:59 AM EST)

37 - 13 - 5

Won 4


Managing Editor

Joe_2_small Joe Fortunato

Editors

Blueshirt-underground-logo1_small Jim Schmiedeberg

Drurybloodsmall_small Rob L

Meandrichards_small Nick Montemagno

Small George E. Ays

Untitled_small Dig Deep

Gaby_small Kevin Power

Nsapcs7_extr_small Brandon C.

Me_small Bryan Winters

Contributors

Twitter_pic_small Laurie Carr