Stay Tuned For Zherdev News Today, Maybe A Trade?

The NY Rangers GM Glen Sather has until 12 noon today to decide whether or not to sign Zherdev to his $3.9M award. Most speculation today is pointing to a sign and trade with Zherdev, now that his market value is set in stone, it should be easier. I just hope Sather can aquire equal if not better talent in said deal. "

From sportingnews.com

"Newsday reports that an arbitrator awarded New York Rangers forward Nikolai Zherdev a $3.9 million contract on Sunday, $650,000 more than the team's $3.25 million qualifying offer that was tendered and rejected by the restricted free agent from Kiev.

The decision put the Rangers on the clock—48 hours (sometime today) to accept the deal or walk away, which would make Zherdev an unrestricted free agent. The 24-year-old Russian, who scored 23 goals last season, had asked for an arbitration award in the $4.5 million range.

According to Newsday, the Rangers are likely to sign Zherdev and try to trade him, which might be easier now that his market value has been set. Many question whether Zherdev could thrive under coach John Tortorella's attacking style, especially after he seemed to run out of gas late last season and in the playoffs."