The 'Z' Factor

After coming off one of the most exciting playoff runs in the team's history, Flyers fans were devastated to see long time fan-favorite Simon Gagne traded in the off season. For many, it sparked some animosity toward the organization because some, myself included, believed it to be trade of desperation because of a poorly managed salary cap situation. True fans can live with losing a fan favorite if it helps the team, but Gagne appeared to be the casualty of financial carelessness...but that is a whole other article...

With Gagne gone, the organization felt it needed a winger to replace Gagne's offensive production. They found that winger over in Russia, where they signed former NHLer Nikolai Zherdev to a 1 year, 2 million dollar deal. Zherdev, 25, was in no way Gagne, but he did peak some interest of fans because of his impressive offensive skill. If only I could leave it at that.

There is a reason at only 25 Zherdev was a 'former' NHL player. If you ask any hockey expert to describe the Ukrainian winger in one word, most will say 'enigma'.

Zherdev, or Z as he is sometimes called, was drafted 4th overall in the 2003 entry draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Just to give you an idea of how high the expectations were for Z, here are some of the guys he was drafted above that year...

5th - Thomas Vanek - BUF
8th - Braydon Coburn - ATL
11th - Jeff Carter - PHI
17th - Zach Parise - NJD
19th - Ryan Getzlaf - ANA
24th - Mike Richards - PHI
28th - Corey Perry - ANA
47th - Matt Carle - SJS

You get the idea...

Simply put, when it comes to offense, Zherdev brings plenty of it, which is why he was drafted so high. The problem with him however, is every other aspect of his game. Despite registering 61 points in his fourth season in Columbus, Zherdev's hot-dogish, lazy, and defensive liable play put him in coach Ken Hitchcock's dog house. The following season he was traded to the Rangers, where once again he produced offensively, but his attitude left him without a team the following season. Z spent the 09/10 season in Russia.

Zherdev had a nice training camp with the Flyers, but his one dimensional game has left him on Peter Laviolette's bad side, costing him playing time and making him a healthy scratch for close to 30 games this season. Zherdev seemed to be on his way out of Philadelphia...he was waived in February and was told by the Flyers they will not be offering him a contract next season. However, recent injuries have allowed Z to find his way back into the Flyers line-up...the question now is, will he stay there?

In the two games over the weekend, Zherdev played pretty well. His killer offensive instincts created several chances allowing him to register a goal against the Rangers and an assist against the Devils. While the rest of his play was nothing to brag about, it had improved.

I would like to see Zherdev remain in the Flyers line-up going into the playoffs. I know about his short-comings, but the bottom line is, the guy produces. He is arguably one of the most skilled forwards on the team, and gives the Flyers an extra threat that could potentially put them over the edge. He has 16 goals on the year, which is impressive since he has been scratched so often and has not seem much ice time in most of the games he has been dressed for.

Zherdev is the kind of player that can score a goal out of know where and can prove to be a big game changer. While other teams are focusing on Carter, Briere, Giroux, Richards, etc...you have a guy in Zherdev who could pose that extra threat that could come through big in close games. When Z has the puck on his stick and net to shoot at, he doesn't miss...which is comforting after watching Jeff Carter lack of clutchness over the past couple of years.

If Z can just keep up the play and learn to feed off the chances guys like Giroux, Richards, JVR, etc create, he could be that sure fire finisher the Flyers have been missing in the past. Will he have the fire to stay in the line-up? I'd like to think a chance to win a cup will keep him motivated, but hey if that's not enough, he's also playing for a contract next year...