Zherdev in serious talks with Atlanta Thrashers

by The Falconer on Sep 2, 2009 3:14 PM EDT Comment 7 comments

Our SB Nation Rangers reporter has a translation of a Russian language interview with Nik Zherdev. In the interview, Zherdev indicates that he is only talking to NHL clubs at this point and the Atlanta Thrashers are a major contender for his services. Ilya Kovalchuk has peronally lobbied him to come to our fair city.

I was skeptical of reports that Zherdev might come to Atlanta because the Thrashers are close to the midpoint of the salary cap. If they go over the mid point it reduces their slice of revenue sharing money. If they were to sign Zherdev they could possibly move some salary, of they might have to carry fewer bench players to stay under that threshold.

Throw in the Legace camp invitation and the unsigned Manny Malhotra situation--there could be some real surprises when the Thrashers training camp opens in mid September.

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Not to mention

Where would Zherdev fit? I can’t imagine he’d be third line…

by aaron b on Sep 2, 2009 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good question. You could perhaps play him at RW and move Antropov to C on the Kovalchuk line. Not sure there is enough defense there though. Or you could put him on the 2nd line, try Little at C and Peverely at LW. Put Kozlov with Reasoner and Armstrong for an awesome two way line. Odds are injuries will simplify things if he signs. Rarely do you have 9 healthy forwards all at once.

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by The Falconer on Sep 2, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is Kozlov up to third line playing? He was my first thought when it came to shuffling, but he is getting up there.

by aaron b on Sep 2, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

With Kozlov on the “3rd line” I would match them head to head against the other team’s top scoring line and they would get a LOT of ice time at ES. Montreal basically played their 3 top lines with even ice time at ES last year. I could see the Thrashers doing that if Kozzie were put with Reasoner and Armstrong—I would expect that 13-19-20 line to score as well as defend. It would probably end up with the Thrashers best plus/minus at Even Strength over 82 games.

All things Thrashers + stats: www.birdwatchersanonymous.com

by The Falconer on Sep 2, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Put him on the top line. It’s a lot of talent on one line.

by Pogue Mahon on Sep 3, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He would be awesome

with a little russian help he would be fine. If you sign him he would be a steal.

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by Joe Fortunato on Sep 2, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like the idea of adding another dynamic forward to the Thrashers. I do not think Kane sticks with the team due to his physical maturity and style of game. Something like this makes sense, I think:

Kovalchuk – White – Antropov
Little – Peverley – Zherdev
Kozlov – Reasoner – Armstrong

Little may not work on the left side, but I would rather see him on the wing, as his faceoff skill is weak. In my opinion, that is a very strong top nine with two-way players on each line (White, Little, Peverley, whole third line). I have seen good defense out of Zherdev in my day, even if it is inconsistent. Against us, early last year, Zherdev made a great play rushing back to the defensive zone to stop a Todd White breakaway. He also schooled Armstrong on the blueline to keep the puck in the offensive zone and had a highlight reel goal high glove in tight on Kari. Zherdev on our team helps keep the puck in the offensive zone for longer periods of time, leading to goals. If anything, I support the acquisition of Zherdev as a one year rental more than I support selling future at the deadline for a playoff run.

by califone on Sep 2, 2009 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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