Nikolai ZherdevNikolai Zherdev was drafted by Columbus in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft with the 4th overall pick. He played for CKSA Moscow in the Russian Super League before arriving in Columbus to play with the Blue Jackets. Zherdev debuted in Columbus for the 2003-2004 season and scored 34 points in 57 games, including 13 goals and 21 assists. He headed to CKSA Moscow the following season for the NHL lockout and returned to the Blue Jackets after the work stoppage. Zherdev put up his best numbers ever in 2005-2006, hitting 54 points in 73 games including 27 goals and 27 assists. He followed that performance up with 32 points the following season and experienced a drop off in overall production. Zherdev is a highly skilled player that doesn’t get along with many of his teammates, according to reports. He had a problem signing a contract and threatened to head back to Russia, but the Blue Jackets signed him to a three year contract in September of 2006. Zherdev has struggled for consistency as of late and will likely fight to be the offensive talent that he was once touted as. He will need to fight the injury bug and improve defensively in order to get more ice time and responsibility. |
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Nikolai Zherdev Stats
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