Flyers Sign Free Agent Forward Nikolai Zherdev

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have signed free agent right wing Nikolai Zherdev to a one-year contract worth $2 million. He last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season with the New York Rangers, scoring 23 goals and 35 assists for 58 points. However, the team decided to let him become and unrestricted free agent after walking away from a one-year, $3.9 million contract awarded in arbitration last summer. He spent last season in the KHL with Atlant Mytischi, scoring 13 goals and 26 assists for 39 points in 52 games. Not a bad signing for the Flyers, as Zherdev has plenty of offensive skill and is a great skater, though he hasn't shown enough dedication at the NHL level to be a star player. The signing puts the Flyers $1.4 million over the salary cap and has led to a lot of speculation that the Flyers are shopping winger Simon Gagne. However, Gagne's injury history and $5.25 million salary cap hit will make it difficult to move him. Keep your eyes on this one folks, as it's bound to get interesting.