Zherdev awarded 3.9 million

August 2, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Nikolai Zherdev was awarded $3.9 million earlier today by the arbitrator. Credit goes to The Record’s Andrew Gross for breaking the story. The number wasn’t any surprise as it was between the Rangers’ $3.25 qualifier and Zherdev’s 4.5 asking price.

Now, it’s up to Glen Sather to either accept the reward and try to trade him or reject it, turning a player he coughed up Fedor Tyutin for loose. He has until 12 noon Tuesday. Can Slats find a taker for the 24 year-old Zherdev, who despite tying for the club lead in scoring with 58 points, left much to be desired in his one season on Broadway?

Considering they brought in Ales Kotalik as a possible replacement and still must re-sign Brandon Dubinsky with little room, it’s awfully hard to see Zherdev returning. We already posted how the club is pretty much set without him.

So, it becomes whether Sather can get something back for the Russian enigma. Might he call up Steve Tambellini in Edmonton to see if there’s interest in a player who might fit their run and gun? Or will he try to restart talks with Bryan Murray for Dany Heatley starting with Zherdev, Michal Rozsival and Ryan McDonagh? Our choice would be to ask Jim Rutherford about Anton Babchuk. But the Hurricanes could hardly afford to fit Zherdev and already are loaded up front. So, it’s doubtful there’d be interest.

Zherdev turns 25 this Nov.5. The former Columbus 2003 fourth overall pick will enter his sixth season but already could be on a third roster despite untapped potential. Buyer beware.