[Updated] Sergei Zubov ready to say goodbye to the Dallas Stars?

by Brandon Worley on Jul 14, 2009 12:30 PM CDT in Dallas Stars News

Last week, we wrote about how Dallas Stars fans must prepare for the most likely departure of long-time defenseman Sergei Zubov. While the chances were he was on his way out, there was still hope that he would take a hometown discount and finish his career with the Stars. In an ESPN article by Scott Burnside, Zubov's agent Jay Grossman makes it sound as though Zubov most likely will not be returning to the team he has spent the past 13 years with.

"Sergei wants to be in a winning environment no matter where that might be," Grossman said.

[snip]

"He's had a great run there," Grossman said.

[snip]

"There's nothing negative there," Grossman said. "He'd just like to take a look at something else."

[UPDATE by Brandon Worley, 07/14/09 5:11 PM EDT ] Mike Heika talked to Joe Nieuwendyk this afternoon to get his take on these statements by Zubov's agent, who reiterated what the team's stance has been all summer long:

"There's a health issue there that we would like to know more about, and I think only time can help decide that," Nieuwendyk said of Zubov's hip surgery.

"I think it's always difficulty when a player of his stature leaves an organization he's been with for a long time," Nieuwendyk said. "But it happens in professional sports, and you have to adjust."

Here is my take on what is happening right now with Sergei Zubov: he's turned over everything to his agent who has entered into protective/posturing mode in an attempt to get as big a contract he can for his client. There's been speculation that the Rangers, Blue Jackets and "nine teams in total" are interested in Zubov, but so far we haven't heard a thing about contract offers, physicals, work outs or anything that would be the first steps in the him signing anywhere outside of Dallas.

The last reports we heard on Zubov's health was that he was still limping fairly badly a few months ago at the team's facilities and that he wouldn't be ready until late summer at the earliest. It seems like Grossman's agent is trying to blow some smoke about these team's that are interested and how other teams are interested, trying to get the Stars to act before they really want to. But of all the teams in the NHL, none no more about Zubov's injury situation than Dallas does and they're not taking the bait. They're sticking to their guns, saying they aren't interested in talking until they're absolutely certain he's healthy. If he signs somewhere else between now and then, well the team is prepared for that.

Basically, the Stars wouldn't mind signing Zubov but won't do it unless he's 100% healthy. Zubov's agent is trying to get the word out that he's good to go, trying to stir up interest, knowing that the longer he goes without a contract the lower the final number is going to be.

While this is something we've been preparing for, it's still going to be tough to see Zubov playing for another team. You can read my thoughts on his possible departure here:

Preparing for the departure of Sergei Zubov - Defending Big D

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Makes me a bit sad.

by Why on Jul 14, 2009 1:03 PM CDT reply actions

1999 fades away

As more and more players leave that were part of the Stanley cup winners, the more I forget what being the champion is like.

Sad day to see Zubi go. Our defense still looks pretty good without him, but Robidas is going to need to step up in that big void of a leadership role for the D.

by LinuxTX on Jul 14, 2009 2:33 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

I Don't Really Care

If he comes back or not to be honest. It’s nice to be nostalgic and everything, but if this were anyone else in the NHL who has shown themselves to be injury prone over the past few seasons, we wouldn’t spend a minute hung up on it. Even before his injury he was showing signs of his age when it came to his more frequent lapses in defensive coverage and lack of hussle that were staples in his game.

He’s not the same Zubov he was a few years ago, and now he’s trying to make money off of the past. We need to stop worrying about him and worry about someone who wants to play here and can contribute to the team.

by JCWM2 on Jul 14, 2009 2:39 PM CDT reply actions

Uh.

Before the last 2 years, he had been ageless throughout his 30s. The season his hip acted up, he was keeping up with Lidstrom for scoring from a defenseman. I believe Zubov had 35 points at the time of the injury, and Lidstrom had 36 or 37. So he wasn’t washed up at the time of his injury.

He’s not the same Zubov he was a few years ago, and now he’s trying to make money off of the past.

Really? Because, last I checked, that’s what every NHL player and athlete in general does. They perform at a certain level for many years and teams sign them hoping to get that same production. You make him sound like he’s been swindling the Stars for years. If that’s the case, then kindly GTFO.

"Look out, Itchy! He’s Irish!"
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Monday 10 PM - 1 AM and Tuesday-Thursday 9 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice, or online @ ktcu.net!

by Maximilian on Jul 14, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Someone needs to take a Xanax

and chill. I’d love to see where I called Zubov washed up, I simply said he started showing signs of age by not being as strong defensively as he used to be. I said nothing about him being “washed up” nor did I knock his offensive production. Also, I believe these are the stats you are looking for from the 07-08 season(ranging from Oct 3 until Jan 17, the last game Zubov played):

Lidstrom
4-37-41 +34
1 PPG 16 PPA

Zubov
4-31-35 +6
2 PPG 14 PPA

Since his injury in January of 08, Zubov has managed to play a grand total of 21 Games. In those games he has 10 points (1-9-10) and is a combined -8 I believe, this includes the playoffs in 2008 where he was tied for team worst with a -4. It’s a matter of a simple fact that older players take more to recover from injuries than younger players, and sometimes they never return to form.

Also, I’m well aware that athletes are out to make money, but it doesn’t change the fact that it sounds as if he is trying to get more money than he probably should because of how he played prior to his injury rather than how he has played since.

Perhaps next time you try to formulate a response, you may to use a little less attitude and a little more sense. Just because we’re Stars fans doesn’t mean we have to be unwaveringly behind everything players do, or jump down someone’s throat because they say something you don’t like to hear.

by JCWM2 on Jul 14, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions

You both make valid points, no need to get personal.

Remember back to the 07 season, there was a lot of talk about how great a season Zubov was on pace for. Sure, it wasn’t astronomical like Lidstrom’s, but it was very, very good and he was looking the best he had in a very long time. The injury he suffered was not due to age, or anything, it was just a injury.

What’s happened since then is nothing short of disappointing. Zubov perhaps returned to soon from his initial injury trying to get back for the playoffs. They’ve said numerous times that the hip and the hernia are not related (I don’t see how they physically could be), but it’s unfortunate that he has struggled like he has to get healthy after a couple of surgeries. But nothing before that injury said he was on his way downhill. He had never played in less than 70 games in a season for the Stars and was consistently on the ice more than any other player. Yeah, he wasn’t the same guy who helped lead the Stars to the Finals in 99 and 2000….but he had 71 pts in 05-06 and 54 pts in 06-07, both better totals than he ever had during the late 90’s.

I don’t think anyone’s thinking he’s going to automatically be the player he was before the injury. The Stars are skeptical and cautious and that makes me a bit nervous. While I want Zubov to finish his career here in Dallas, it can’t be at the risk of paying $2 million for 23 games.

Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.

by Brandon Worley on Jul 14, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm plenty chill. My bad for getting personal earlier.

Your post simply came across to me as saying Zubov had nothing left, and I disagree heavily. While I don’t believe in giving him a multi-year deal or anything, I think that he can still help this club greatly on a one year deal. Just look at how much better Niskanen looked when paired with Zubov as opposed to Sydor.

I’ll admit to being as big a Zubov fan as there is; I know he’s nearing the end, but I still simply think that he has something left, and can definitely help an NHL club, if not the Stars.

"Look out, Itchy! He’s Irish!"
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Monday 10 PM - 1 AM and Tuesday-Thursday 9 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice, or online @ ktcu.net!

by Maximilian on Jul 15, 2009 1:08 AM CDT up reply actions

I Know How You Feel.

Zubov has always been one of my favorite players since I started watching hockey. If my initial post came across as all negative, it was not my intention. As I clarified in the other post, I’m only concerned with whether he can return after the injury at his age, which also seems to be what Nieuwendyk is wary of as well.

Also, I was really hoping he would finally get a Norris in 07-08.

by JCWM2 on Jul 15, 2009 3:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah same.

No one ever wants to see a guy like him leave, but I’ll cheer like hell for him if/when he comes back in another uni.

"Look out, Itchy! He’s Irish!"
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Monday 10 PM - 1 AM and Tuesday-Thursday 9 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice, or online @ ktcu.net!

by Maximilian on Jul 15, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Let’s be honest. A general sports fan would think after dedicating many years to an organization, you would be willing to take a hometown discount to stay with an organization that has been loyal and showed respect to you.

by Why on Jul 14, 2009 6:08 PM CDT reply actions

Thank you, Brandon!

I can always depend on you to be the voice of reason.

His agent is doing what he is supposed to do and doing a pretty good job of it, from the way the hockey press is buying it.

BTW, love the countdown clock to training camp.

Supporting your local ice troll, 24/7/365

by laughs2loud on Jul 14, 2009 6:19 PM CDT reply actions

I hope you're right

…about the agent trying to pump him up. It is curious that we haven’t heard that much from the other teams, or even random suggestions about what they might be offering.

I want him to stick around and if his hip is fixed I think he can be a big help. Even if he’s not the Zubov from before he was injured, he’d still be pretty good.

I wouldn’t give him the moon or anything, but if he’s willing to take a pretty steep discount (he’s not getting 5 million anywhere) plus incentives, I would be thrilled.

by Patty (in Dallas) on Jul 14, 2009 7:58 PM CDT reply actions

Zubov leaving for KHL

While it is sad to see Sergei Zubov leave for the KHL, I feel that the Stars managment did the right thing by not signing him unless they were certain he had a clean bill of health to play.

If other NHL clubs were skeptical as well then it’s a sign that Sergei is not to the level that he needs to be at as a viable asset on the ice.

To me he will always be a Star and when he hangs up his skates for good his number should be retired by them.

by Robdentex on Jul 30, 2009 7:30 PM CDT reply actions