He was once considered a head case with a bad attitude—a player who had the potential but just didn't bring the competitiveness on a daily basis.
Many threw in the towel for Nikolai Zherdev after his disastrous 10-goal, 32-point 2006-07 campaign with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The native of Kiev, Ukraine had a super sophomore season the previous year with 27 goals and 27 assists.
What exactly happened to the fourth overall pick in the 2003 Entry Draft the following season? There were frequent disputes between the young star and the Blue Jackets coaching staff. When he did score, you could see the talent he had.
Unfortunately, it didn't occur too much in 2006-2007 and Zherdev couldn't get going consistently. Trade rumors began to be discussed with the Ukrainian's future uncertain.
Last season was the re-birth of Nikolai Zherdev. He improved his statistics in every offensive category, finishing with 26 goals, and 35 assists for 61 points. Among the goals were some pa tenant highlight reel beauties that fans were accustomed to seeing.
It wasn't just the points that stood out. Zherdev's attitude was better, he got his teammates involved on the ice, and didn't always go for goal on his own.
I don't know if there's anyone in the league better at performing end-to-end rushes with the puck. We've already seen one of them this year turn into a goal. Just ask Kevin Weekes.
It just seems to follow him on the ice like it does with all the great talents. Although, it was a comeback year for Zherdev last season, a trade was made in the offseason.
He, and Dan Fritsche were sent to the New York Rangers for defensemen Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. Once again, the talks began to develop about Zherdev hitting a dead-end in Broadway.
Under a new coach in Tom Renney, the 24-year-old has been instrumental in New York's great season thus far. He leads the Rangers with seven goals, and 10 assists through 23 games.
When you see him on the ice scoring, his celebrations are emphatic with his teammates. It's easy to realize that he's found a new home and couldn't be happier.
In his first matchup against his former team, the Blue Jackets, Zherdev put up a goal along with two assists. That must have given coach Ken Hitchcock a nice headache.
"It was a good team win," Zherdev said. "I was just happy to score."
A few days ago, the Rangers beat the Ottawa Senators in a shootout. Although Zherdev scored on his breakaway, he didn't celebrate because he wasn't happy with his overall game in regulation and overtime.
Another sign that this crafty winger has matured.
"All that matters is that the team wins," Zherdev said. "Back-to-back games, everyone is tired. It's a big four points." That was the comment made following a game with Pittsburgh in which Zherdev scored the tying goal in the dying seconds.
Clearly, the team comes first for him now instead of statistics. I find it unfair that Zherdev wasn't included on this year's NHL All-Star Ballot.
Sooner or later, everyone will realize the great star that is Nikolai Zherdev.
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