"Despite all the speculation that the Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in signing the offensively gifted Nikolai Zherdev, USA Today's Kevin Allen is reporting that Toronto GM Brian Burke has told him that he has 'no interest' in signing Zherdev," reports Jack Porter of bleacherreport.
On Twitter Allen posted, "Talked to Brian Burke and he said he has no interest in signing Zherdev. Also, I have the impression he won't be dealing Kaberle."
But the Washington Capitals are rumored to be interested in Zherdev reports Porter.
"The Rangers have walked -- no, run -- away from the $3.9 million an arbiter awarded Nikolai Zherdev, granting the Ukrainian winger unrestricted free agency and freeing the Rangers to devote that money toward other positions of need -- like, say, center," reported nydailynews on Wednesday. Zherdev rejected the Rangers' $3.5 million qualifying offer a couple of months ago and instead reportedly wanted something closer to $4.5 million.
Porter opined, "The Caps are looking to make a move that would open up the necessary salary cap space to ink Zherdev. One can see this as a very good opportunity for GM Brian Burke to convert his excess of defensemen into some picks and prospects and maybe a little offense. Washington's primary goal is to shed salary, but you'd have to think they would love the shed salary and pick up some much needed help on the backend."
Zherdev--RW ... "is an unbelievable talent," opined senior writer Bryan Thiel also of bleacher. "The unfortunate thing is that he's also got an unbelievable attitude. Known as one of the biggest non-injury related underachievers in the NHL today. Zherdev has all of the tools needed to be a great player and his attitude towards the game overall has hurt himself in the eyes of a lot of NHL management and coaches. Many think that a hard-nose, defensive coach would solve Zherdev's problems, but I'm not so sure. If the over/under on him going to KHL is 3 1/2 seasons, I'll take the under."
There have also circulated rumors that Zherdev might head back to Russia to play for the KHL, but thoughts are that he would rather play in the NHL.
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On Twitter Allen posted, "Talked to Brian Burke and he said he has no interest in signing Zherdev. Also, I have the impression he won't be dealing Kaberle."
But the Washington Capitals are rumored to be interested in Zherdev reports Porter.
"The Rangers have walked -- no, run -- away from the $3.9 million an arbiter awarded Nikolai Zherdev, granting the Ukrainian winger unrestricted free agency and freeing the Rangers to devote that money toward other positions of need -- like, say, center," reported nydailynews on Wednesday. Zherdev rejected the Rangers' $3.5 million qualifying offer a couple of months ago and instead reportedly wanted something closer to $4.5 million.
Porter opined, "The Caps are looking to make a move that would open up the necessary salary cap space to ink Zherdev. One can see this as a very good opportunity for GM Brian Burke to convert his excess of defensemen into some picks and prospects and maybe a little offense. Washington's primary goal is to shed salary, but you'd have to think they would love the shed salary and pick up some much needed help on the backend."
Zherdev--RW ... "is an unbelievable talent," opined senior writer Bryan Thiel also of bleacher. "The unfortunate thing is that he's also got an unbelievable attitude. Known as one of the biggest non-injury related underachievers in the NHL today. Zherdev has all of the tools needed to be a great player and his attitude towards the game overall has hurt himself in the eyes of a lot of NHL management and coaches. Many think that a hard-nose, defensive coach would solve Zherdev's problems, but I'm not so sure. If the over/under on him going to KHL is 3 1/2 seasons, I'll take the under."
There have also circulated rumors that Zherdev might head back to Russia to play for the KHL, but thoughts are that he would rather play in the NHL.
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