Blogjackets

On Thursday an arbitrator ruled rookie forward Nikolai Zherdev does not have to return to Russia. This decision is a major break for Columbus who faced losing the exciting rookie to an extended army hitch. GM Doug MacLean said, "We have maintained all along that we complied with all regulations regarding the signing of Nikolai Zherdev and are very pleased that the arbitrator is in agreement. This has been a difficult few months for Nikolai, but he is to be commended for the way he has handled everything since he made the decision to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL last December." Good news!