It could have something to do with the fact Zherdev doesn't have the drive to be the best player he can be & rumors are he can be a pain in the ***. The fact that the Rangers, who are a team that has had their offensive struggles & they just walk away like that says alot to me.
I say that this guy is KHL bound.
I can understand that, but I think it's poor asset management to walk away from 60pts because of attitude.
It can't be the $$$ because under $4mil is market or even below for his production and upside.
Zherdev is still only 24, I would take a risk on him every day of the week, his skill and the price he is likely to command are a steal if we can get him to change his attitude.
Zherdev is still only 24, I would take a risk on him every day of the week, his skill and the price he is likely to command are a steal if we can get him to change his attitude.
There's too much to change to go over 4 mill for him. He's a 24 year old with attitude who hasn't produced as expected. Many of the players in the 03 draft class are dominant players, while he's been a headcase who isn't willing to work on his game. You don't have over big money to players like that. He's got talent, but it's not enough. He has to round out his game. I would pick him up for the right price, but that isn't anywhere near 5 million.
Yeah.. honestly this kid would fit our mold on the top line perfectly and if I were Burke I would seriously consider trying to sign him.
Someone PLEASE give a reference about his "work ethic" or "heart" because everything that I've heard and read is complete hearsay... which has no value. Oh noes he disappeared during the playoff run, well here's news... so did the rest of the Rangers.
Since it is obvious that no team in the league wants Zherdev at his price he will have to humble himself and look for a job at less money and try to mend his reputation so that he can get a long term deal. Or, sit back and wait for an offer from a KHL team unless he already has one on the table.
Yeah.. honestly this kid would fit our mold on the top line perfectly and if I were Burke I would seriously consider trying to sign him.
Someone PLEASE give a reference about his "work ethic" or "heart" because everything that I've heard and read is complete hearsay... which has no value. Oh noes he disappeared during the playoff run, well here's news... so did the rest of the Rangers.
Claimed that Torts hurt his play. Not exactly a "character" thing to say. Rumoured he had complaints about Hitchcock, claiming he was responsible for his poor play.
There is always an excuse or someone else to blame it seems. Fact is, Gomez is a playmaker and he didn't work well with him in NYR. He had issues with the coach there and he had issues with Hitch. Watching him play, he has lazy tendencies. These stick out in the system his team plays and clearly isn't coming from the bench. That's why his work ethic and heart have been questioned. Instead of getting better and working on his game, he seems to point fingers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HellasLEAF
Zherdev did well in NYR though didn't he?
Started well, but struggled later in the season. I believe he was a healthy scratch some nights for the Rangers.
He started on the first line in New York and played his way onto the third line. The Rangers fired a defensive coach in Renney to bring in a more offensive minded person in Tortorella. That should've helped a player like Z, but his lazy attitude had him in the dog house.
This guy the second coming of Pierre Larouche or what lol. Young folks here wouldn't know him but he was a headache lol. a funny headcase, fur coats, late for practice,fine women and fine wine haaaa.
Since it is obvious that no team in the league wants Zherdev at his price he will have to humble himself and look for a job at less money and try to mend his reputation so that he can get a long term deal. Or, sit back and wait for an offer from a KHL team unless he already has one on the table.
I know which way I am leaning.
I'm with you. I'd rather give the ice time to Kulemin, and Tlusty.
Yeah.. honestly this kid would fit our mold on the top line perfectly and if I were Burke I would seriously consider trying to sign him.
Someone PLEASE give a reference about his "work ethic" or "heart" because everything that I've heard and read is complete hearsay... which has no value. Oh noes he disappeared during the playoff run, well here's news... so did the rest of the Rangers.
Go read the Columbus boards with the Zherdev thread.
Nikolai Zherdev is one of the most skilled players in the NHL.
If you have the opportunity to acquire him without giving up assets, you do it.
I am going to be very upset if he doesn't end up in Toronto. Russian players enjoy it in Toronto due to the huge population of Russians (or Ukrainians, Belarussian, etc). They feel at home and comfortable.
That is why Grabovski loves it here. That is why guys like Sergei Gonchar live here in the offseason.
Nikolai Zherdev is one of the most skilled players in the NHL.
If you have the opportunity to acquire him without giving up assets, you do it.
I am going to be very upset if he doesn't end up in Toronto. Russian players enjoy it in Toronto due to the huge population of Russians (or Ukrainians, Belarussian, etc). They feel at home and comfortable.
That is why Grabovski loves it here. That is why guys like Sergei Gonchar live here in the offseason.
You don't evaluate and acquire guys based on "a need on offence".
You don't evaluate and acquire guys based on "a need on offence".
No, you don't.
But there will always be a spot on my team for a skilled forward that can skate through the other teams defence. If you have plenty of offence and are looking to get tougher or improve your defensive play... you avoid Zherdev.
If you're looking to add skill and offence to your team (LIKE WE ARE), you sign the 24 year old offensively talented forward.
