It seems pretty much set in stone that Brian Burke is not looking to sign Russian sniper Nikolai Zherdev. He seems to have great on ice ability and is oozing of potential . He has had a few good years in New York and has shown that he can handle the spotlight. We all know Burke’s interest wasn’t toned down because of Zherdev’s offensive skills but it was toned down because of his attitude.
Nik Zherdev’s attitude really irks prospective buyers for this player because he has shown to be quite disruptive and is certainly selfish on the ice and off the ice. Burke already has a negative outlook towards players who go to arbirtation because it shows a sign of greed and selfishness. Brian Burke would certainly have pondered the idea of taking a risk and signing this fantastic talent but I think he had great foresight and decided to not pursue this any further. There are certain times in the summer where a team will see an opportunity to make a splash but the teams that make good choices and think for the long term betterment of the team are the ones that succeed and become dynasties. Quick fixes have become a routine here in Toronto and Burke is certainly changing that outlook with a great support staff, this is nothing to take away from Zherdev’s on ice capabilities he just needs to learn to play for the team.
Leafs’ fans will certainly begin feeling edgy as Kaberle’s no trade clause deadline (August 15th) approaches and as the season approaches because they want to see improvements made with the top six forwards we currently have. The calmness of Brian Burke who is basically waiting it out is eerie for Leafs fans who are used to idiotic moves that make no sense at all.
Perhaps it’s time we look at the non-signing of Nikolai Zherdev as a positive and see this as the right step forward. We have just gotten rid of the “Country club” feeling that was always present in the past years. Hopefully we won’t see any more of this in the future just like Burke has avoided it in the present so beautifully.
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