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Quotes: Zherdev On Rangers. KHL and Contract

by Adam Rotter on July 14th, 2009 at 2:15 pm

The fantastic Beyond The Blueshirts does another awesome job translating a russian interview, this time though, its enigmatic restricted free agent Nikolai Zherdev.

Zherdev talks about the Rangers. the allure of the KHL and his dream NHL team.

- How is the situation with the Rangers now?

- The question of the contract remains open. I have submitted documents to the arbitration court, now my agent and I are waiting for the meeting, which will take place on July 31st. After the decision is made, it will be possible to talk about things more specifically.

- How, in your opinion, could this all end?

- If the Rangers agree to my terms — I’ll sign the contract, if not — it will be necessary to search for other options with other teams.

- Are you not surprised that problems have come up after your very good season?

- Of course I’m surprised! To tell the truth, I thought that we would come to an agreement with the club easily, because last season was one of the best in my career. In New York things actually went very well for me — I scored 58 points. Though the year before in Columbus it turned out that I collected even more points — 61.

- After the new head coach of the Rangers, John Tortorella, has come in, your statistics became worse than they had been over the course of the season with Tom Renney. Did Tortorella trust you less?

- That was probably one of the reasons. I admit, that I had slump — it’s impossible to play the entire season completely evenly. During that time, at times my game was off completely.

- And on what team in NHL you would like to continue your career?

- To begin with, it must be a team that has a need for me. That’s why I’ll answer your question this way: it would be nice to play on one of the teams in the division that the Rangers play in.

…See that last quote is exactly what I am afraid of.  Zherdev puts it all together to spite the Rangers and kills them every time they play, just like another enigmatic forward who used to wear #27 and killed the Rangers when he was in Pittsburgh.

A few more after the jump but read the rest at Beyond the Blueshirts.

- What are the chances that you will play in the KHL?

- Thirty percent, no less.

- And what Russian commands have offered you a contract?

- I’ll only say that it’s 3 or 4 top clubs in the KHL. If you excuse me, I won’t name them.

- Are there any teams in the NHL that you dreamed of playing for as a child?

- Yes, I always liked Detroit.

- And could you be traded there?

- I wouldn’t exactly be against it!
  • Conor Mac

    I’m already sick of this guy. I understand he is 24 years old, and he has potential to be a star. However, the first round series against the Capitals said alot about #13 to me. I went to Game 6, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing out of Zhredev. The guy showed no life what so ever. He would come in. Skate around the zone for about a minute, and no go anywhere near the puck. He shy’ed away from getting physical with any of the opponents. There is no way he deserves 4.5 million. That is a complete joke. Furthermore, if he becomes the next Alexi Kovalev to the Rangers, I really don’t care. The Rangers have been through it once, and can go through it again. If he’s the type of player that decides when he’ll play, then lets forget about him and move on.

  • beckfan

    Zherdev had a very good season?

    When?

    Where?

  • vic79

    Just move him for a Dman and some prospects and picks so we can forget about this dude now

  • waynefromwestbury

    The world according to Nik: If the Rangers agree to my terms — I’ll sign the contract, if not — it will be necessary to search for other options with other teams. Your terms??? What a joke, are you kidding me Nik? The Red Wings would never take him. I say lets package him in a deal. Zherdev, Rozsival, Drury, and Sauer to the Thrashers for Kovulchuk. The Rangers have to do something more to take them to the level of the elite. Sather are you listening?? Get er done Slats or get lost yourself! No more 1st or 2nd round exists are acceptable! WE WANT THE CUP!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS GO RANGERS!!!