Like an elderly friend on life support - Nik Zherdev exceeded expectations by still being a Ranger this morning.Nik got a positive result from his Friday arbitration hearing - he was awarded a raise from the $3.25 qualifying offer the Rangers made (and almost didn't make). If he remains a Ranger he will be paid $3.9 million - less than he was seeking and more than the Rangers want to pay.
But that's a sizable "If". Most reports we're getting indicate that Glen Sather and coach Tortorella have no intention of paying the Russian at that level - especially after his no-show in the playoffs last year (zero points in 80+ minutes versus the Caps).
On the other hand - the Rangers have already used about half of their own 48 hour decision period.
So why the delay? The Rangers had weeks to think about this - and decided to go through the process of the hearing.
It must be that - even if they don't want Nik next year - Glen realizes that the rights to a 20+ goal scorer are worth something - to someone. So the Rangers may be thinking - or feeling out interest in - a sign and trade.
But with the 48 hour clock ticking the time is coming for the Rangers to "shoot or get off the puck". The delay isn't hurting Zherdev - if they cut him loose he will quickly become one of the top UFAs left on the market.
So for all our friends (Anonymous for one) who like Nik Z. - his Ranger life is lingering a few hours longer. And who knows - he may yet end up a Blueshirt for the coming year. For Nik Z fans - Keep hope alive!
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"...So for all our friends (Anonymous for one) who like Nik Z. - his Ranger life is lingering a few hours longer. And who knows - he may yet end up a Blueshirt for the coming year. For Nik Z fans - Keep hope alive!"
ReplyDeleteCalling me out, heh? lol. Whether Nick stays or goes is up to the Baffoon from Banf-f-f. Doing the math he has two chances of staying, slim & none. I'm leaning towards the latter. Personally, I'd rather see him elsewhere, where his skill set are appreciated (KHL anyone?). When the wheels fall off the wagon under TortUrella's chinese firedrill game plan, guys are going to start falling like flies. Something that we were spared under the controlled, albeit boring, reactive defensive scheme employed by Renney. No 1st line center, no crease clearer and no PP QB - and brushing up against the CAP ceiling. Yeah, Scats is doing a helluva job.
Hi Anonymous. I'm not calling you out - just a friendly shout out. There's no harm in being a Zherdev fan - and you may be right about everything. I think Nugman agrees with you. I'm chosing to believe in Torts - he did win a Stanley Cup - this millenium.
ReplyDeleteBut thanks for the comments. And how about giving us something we can call you besides Anonymous?