BREAKING: Former Top Five Pick Signs in Italy Shocking Everyone

In an unexpected move that has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, Nikolai Zherdev, the 4th overall pick from the 2003 NHL Draft, has officially inked a contract with Alleghe, a team competing in Italy's secondary hockey league.

Zherdev's signing marks a significant shift in his career trajectory. Once celebrated as one of the world's most skilled players, Zherdev's journey was marred by a perceived lack of drive, preventing him from achieving prolonged NHL stardom. Despite this setback, he managed to secure numerous NHL seasons with over 20 goals each, even surpassing the 60-point mark on one occasion.

The Russian talent departed the NHL after a mere six seasons of playing for the Blue Jackets, Rangers, and Flyers, opting to return to Russia where he competed in the KHL until 2018. Following a year-long hiatus, he participated in the VHL during the 2019-20 season. Since then, he has bounced all around Europe including playing in Belarus and Slovakia.

Zherdev's legacy remains in the realm of 'what-ifs' within NHL history. Had he fully committed himself, experts speculate that he could have potentially amassed an impressive 1,000-point milestone, establishing his name as one of the most dominant Russian players of all time.

As seen on Markerzone - BREAKING: Former Fourth Overall Pick Shocks Everybody and Signs in Italy