Zherdev probably won't be a Ranger much longer
Photo credit: Getty Images | David Sloane of the Philadelphia Flyers hits Nikolai Zherdev of the New York Rangers during a game last April at MSG.
For Nikolai Zherdev, Friday's arbitration hearing in Toronto likely will be another step toward the exit after just one season with the Rangers.
The multi-talented, but sometimes aloof, restricted free agent, who was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets last July, rejected the Rangers' one-year qualifying offer of $3.25 million and is seeking a deal in the $4 million range for 2009-10. The Rangers will argue strongly against anything higher than their offer.
Zherdev, 24, was the fourth overall draft pick in 2003 by the Blue Jackets. Although his production and intensity waned in the last third of the season -- and he was pointless in seven playoff games against the Capitals -- the right wing finished with 23 goals and 35 assists in 82 games. The 58 points were tied with Scott Gomez for the team lead.
According to translations from Russian interviews, the right wing said he believed he deserved more money although he admitted his play suffered under coach John Tortorella, who replaced Tom Renney in the last quarter of the regular season and benched Zherdev during games. The Kiev native also suggested that he wouldn't mind playing for a divisional rival and then perhaps leave for the Russian Kontinental Hockey League.
The hearings, in which each side presents their case and have an opportunity for rebuttal, often are contentious. In 2007, when Sean Avery, who earned $1.1 million, sought $2.6 million and the Rangers offered $1.3 million, the Rangers brass called him a "detriment” to the team. The arbitrator settled on $1.9 million for one season and the Rangers accepted. Unlike other pro sports, the arbitrator, who received briefs from the teams on Wednesday, is not required to choose from just those numbers
submitted; the award often is between the two.
One of the elements that the arbitrator weighs are comparable salaries for similar performances. Tuomo Ruutu, who avoided arbitration this month by signing a three-year, $11.4-million deal with Carolina, will earn $3 million in 2009-10. Ruutu had 26 goals and 28 assists for 54 points last season. Before his hearing, Travis Zajac (20-42-62) agreed to a four-year deal with the Devils averaging $3.88 million, but will earn just $2.75 million next season.
On the other hand, Anaheim's Joffrey Lupul (25-25-50) will earn $4.25 million and Milan Michalek (23-34-57 in 77 games) averages $4 million per season in his long-term deal with the Sharks.
The decision on the Zherdev case is expected to be announced Monday. Depending on the outcome, the Rangers will still have a few options.
They can reject the award and lose Zherdev, who can declare himself an unrestricted free agent and become one of the top commodities left on the market. It would be an acknowledgment that last July's deal for Zherdev, who arrived with Dan Fritsche in exchange for defensemen Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman, was a loss.
Or, the Rangers can accept the one-year deal. That's unlikely unless the dollar figure is reasonable enough for the Rangers to trade Zherdev before October, when teams must meet the salary cap, and receive something, perhaps a draft pick, in return.
