Trade Talks Starting To Heat Up With Heatley

This was a good article I though I'd post here.. original page here.

Rangers Back On The Chase For Heatley? Dubi Included?

From Eklund of hockeybuzz.com -

"Dubinsky to Ottawa possible for Heatley?

It is possible as rumors of the Rangers getting back into the Heatley saga pick up amazing amounts of steam."

Damn I say do it do it do it! It would make the Rangers almost a complete threat.

Zherdev Told To Take A Walk-Official

There had better be a good explaination for this. And unless a three way deal is performed, you can kiss the Heatley trade goodbye. Why not sign him, if not only to execute a trade with him included. But no, Sather goes and gives him away, and gets nothing in return. Very poor move in my opinion. I hope Sather can work something out that will give us better talent and future than Zherdev would have-either playing him or trading him for someone...

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."

3 Teams Involved In A Trade Bringing Heatley To NYR? Perhaps

According to Eklund of hockeybuzz.com,

"Does Zherdev Ruling + Oilers Blessing= Dany Heatley, the NY Ranger? Maybe." Zherdev awarded $3.9M, Oilers are interested, Ottowa GM Murray pressed against the wall even moreso. Eklund could be right, and I hope he is. I would love to see Heatley wearing Rangers blue. He is a league elite, who has proven more than once he can score 50 goals. Imagine the powerplay. With Gaborik, Heatley, Kotalik, and who knows else! Powerplay problem solved if this goes down. Scoring completely solved if this happens. [Gaborik's already here] I could care less about this guys personality, if he plays hard, and he wants to be here, hes going to score at least 4o goals. Here is the official report from hockeybuzz.com "I talked about it today on the podcast but it is worth repeating. With the Oilers giving the Rangers their blessing and the Zherdev ruling all but assuring the Rangers are out of nearly 4 million, I would not be surprised to see the Rangers back into the running for Heatley. And many of my sources agree. One just texted me, "Dubinsky is the key still, but now it is possible that a deal that would not include Dubinsky could indeed get it done." Back with more...we are picking up our new puppy this afternoon...the family is ecstatic! cheers, Ek"

Zherdev Awarded $3.9M

Zherdev has been awarded $3.9 Million Dollars. So, I would like to have him back, but if a better player is invloved in a trade deal I would be even happier.

Zherdev's Abritration Hearing

Is going on right now - he is participating through a telephone call from Russia. After the hearing the judge has 48 hours to make a decision, and the Rangers have 48 hours following that to either accept or allow him to become a free agent. Rumors are saying he is looking for around $4.5M

The Rangers should give him another chance definatley, he is very skilled, but not for that price. I think anything under $4M would be fair if he plays with 100% effort every game. Zherdev is believed to have gained more skill during the off season.