Zherdev signed, sealed, yet to be delivered

[jimotis4heisman]

http://www.10tv.com/?sec=home&story=...738491479.html

10TV Sports: Zherdev, Blue Jackets Reach Contract Agreement

Sep 28 2006 11:18AM

10TV Sports has learned that the Columbus Blue Jackets have come to terms on a new contract with forward Nikolai Zherdev.
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The Jackets will be holding a press conference at 12:30 p.m.
Tune into WBNS-10TV at noon for the latest details.

this can be merged in a day or so mods, figured it was big enough move to get its own thread.

ps they still have to get him out of russia and through customs.

[jimotis4heisman]

http://dispatch.com/bluejackets/blue...p?story=215738

Blue Jackets, Zherdev agree on contract
By Michael Arace
The Columbus Dispatch
Thursday, September 28, 2006 11:35 AM
MIKE MUNDEN | DISPATCH Nikolai Zherdev last season set career highs for goals (27), assists (27) and points (54).
The Blue Jackets are expected to announce today that they've reached a contract agreement with restricted free agent forward Nikolai Zherdev. The deal is for three years and worth in excess of $7 million, a source said.
"Barring a major change of events, we should have something to announce this afternoon," said team spokesman Todd Sharrock.
If a deal is indeed done, it will mean the Jackets and the 21-year-old Zherdev will have overcome a major impasse. The on-again, off-again negotiations have been dragging since June. Earlier this month, after Columbus offered a three-year deal worth $6.9 million, Zherdev's representatives countered with $8.5 million over the same span. At that point, two sides stopped talking.
On the eve of training camp, the team signed veteran free agent Anson Carter to fill the hole on right wing. It appeared that Zherdev was destined to remain in Russia, playing for Khimik Voskresensk, for the season.
Blue Jackets president and general manager Doug MacLean had waged a public-relations campaign to state the team's side of the matter and publicly question Zherdev's decision to remain in Russia. More recently, MacLean has backed off the blitz and said he would continue in his efforts to work out a deal.
Talks picked up again earlier this week. Zherdev's agent, Rolland Hedges, indicated Wednesday that the span of the contract will likely be for three years and the price would come through compromise.
If and when Zherdev signs the deal, work will begin on getting him a visa. That process could take up to two weeks.
Zherdev, who turns 22 on Nov. 5, last season set career highs for goals (27), assists (27) and points (54). He led the team in shots (194) and was second in goals and points.

[Bucky Katt]

Zherdev's representatives countered with $8.5 million over the same span. At that point, two sides stopped talking.

Those people are delusional to think he is worth that at this point in his career.

Glad to see it finally get done. I'll be interested to see if this has any effect on his play. I'd hope he wouldn't show up mopey and whiny, but you never know with these kids.

[jimotis4heisman]

*rumor has it 7.2 or 7.3 over 3 years*

actually terms?? who knows.

[scarletandgrey]

Good the more offensive firepower we have the better. I've seen to many games where we'll put up 3-5 points and still lose. Now if we can just get a solid defensive core we'll be in good shape. I have high hopes for Leclaire.

[jimotis4heisman]

Blue Jackets Re-Sign RW Nikolai Zherdev To Three-Year Contract

Club's top pick in 2003 Entry Draft tallied 27-27-54 in 73 games in his second NHL season in 2005-06



The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed right wing Nikolai Zherdev to a three-year contract, club President and General Manager Doug MacLean announced Thursday. As is club policy, terms were not disclosed.
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"Nikolai is a supremely talented player with the ability to bring fans out of their seats every time he steps on the ice," said MacLean. "I think this agreement shows the commitment the Blue Jackets have to him and also the commitment he has to our organization and fans. We think this season is going to be our best yet and Nikolai will be a big part of any success we have moving forward."
Zherdev, 21, has tallied 40 goals and 48 assists for 88 points with 104 penalty minutes in 130 career NHL games with the Blue Jackets. In 2005-06, he notched 27-27-54 and 50 penalty minutes in 73 games. He led the club in shots on goal (194), ranked second in goals and points (tied) and was third in assists, power play goals (10) and multi-point games (14). In addition, he collected 18-19-37 in his last 39 outings, including 12-8-20 in his last 22 appearances.
"I am very happy to remain a Blue Jacket and want to thank the organization for their commitment and support," said Zherdev. "I am excited about our team and look forward to joining my teammates in Columbus as soon as possible."
Zherdev was the club's first pick, fourth overall, at the 2003 Entry Draft. He made his Blue Jackets debut in December 2003 and went on to record 13-21-34 and 54 penalty minutes in 57 games as a rookie in 2003-04. He ranked among rookie leaders in assists (5th), points (6th-tied), power play goals (6th-tied, 5), shots (6th-tied, 137) and goals (9th-tied) and was selected to play in the NHL YoungStars Game during All-Star Weekend.
A native of Kiev, Ukraine, Zherdev has represented Russia in several international tournaments, including a pair of World Junior Championships. In 2003, he helped Russia capture the gold medal at the tournament held in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2003, he was a member of Russia's silver medal-winning squad.

http://bluejackets.com/news/press/arts/3171.0.html