Zherdev Becomes Free Agent; Shanahan Reportedly Re-Signs With Devils

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our daily look at the previous night's action. During the offseason, we'll look at some of the storylines and moves taking place around the league three times per week. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Rangers Part Ways With Zherdev

After being awarded $3.9 million in his arbitration hearing, the New York Rangers decided they would rather part ways with Nikolai Zherdev, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent, than invest nearly $4 million in a streaky, one-dimensional forward. He has the talent, but he's been somewhat of an enigma his entire career, and his one-year stint in New York was no exception. Newsday's Steve Zipay reports that Zherdev's top priority is to find another NHL team before turning to the KHL as an option. He has his flaws (inconsistency being the big one) but he should still be able to sign on with another NHL club in need of offense.

Five Hole Fanatics can't understand what Rangers general manager Glen Sather is doing (then again, who can?), and makes the following point about the decision to let Nikolai Zherdev become a free agent:

So...let me get this straight. Years ago, Glen Sather inked checking forward Bobby Holik to an outrageously long and expensive contract. He did the same thing again with Chris Drury and Scott Gomez - lots and lots of dollars over many years for slightly better than average players. Then he did it again with Wade Redden last summer - except Redden isn't even better than average anymore. Marian Gaborik was the lottery winner this summer. At least he's a phenomenal talent I guess. Shame about the tissue paper groin though. But suddenly, 3.9M for one year is too much for 24 year old Nikolai Zherdev?

Devils Agree To Terms With Brendan Shanahan

Devils beat writer Tom Gulitti reports that 40-year-old forward Brendan Shanahan has agreed to terms with the team, and will be returning for his 22nd season in the NHL. Shanahan played 34 games with the Devils in 2008-09, scoring six goals to go with eight assists.

Loose Pucks

... Boston Blue Line takes a look at how much money restricted free agent Phil Kessel can reasonably expect to make this season.

... The Detroit Red Wings signed Patrick Eaves on Monday after he was bought out by the Boston Bruins (after they traded Aaron Ward for him).

... Apparently Jeremy Roenick isn't the only player set to announce his retirement, as James Mirtle points out that Teppo Numminen is also set to hang up the skates. [From The Rink]