The signing of Nikolai Zherdev in the Summer looked to be a savvy move by the Flyers, picking up a talented player who needed a second chance in the NHL, but there had to be known that picking him up was somewhat of a gamble. He has only shown some flashes in the NHL and his attention to defense does leave something to be desired.
It's been a slow fall out of favour for Zherdev, starting up on the second line this year and has steadily dropped down the depth chart as the four weeks of the season moved on, going down to the fourth line not too long ago and then last night in the press box for the game against the Penguins. The fall out of favour hasn't necessarily been because of his defense, rather the 2 points he's only managed to pick up in his first nine games with the club. I think there was definitely a higher expectation there.
I would honestly have to believe that there was some high expectations from Kristy an Don, who took Zherdev in the draft, managing to snag him in the 2nd round, 197th overall. At that kind of draft pick, you would think that someone would be looking to Zherdev as a sleeper pick, but he's done little to make that an excellent pick in the early part of the season. Kristy and Don are likely hoping that this time in the press box will kick Zherdev in the ass going forward.Link to the Injury/News Page
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