New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero is warning Pavel Zacha “it's a long way back to the NHL” amid reports the 22-year-old restricted free agent has agreed to terms with a team in the KHL.
“I don't give a f--- if he signs with the KHL or if he signs with f------ Brampton. I don't give a f--- where. We hold his rights," Shero told reporters earlier Monday when asked about the situation.
Still, Shero says he's hopeful he can get a deal done that brings Zacha back to New Jersey before he makes anything official with Avangard, It was reported earlier today that he had agreed to terms with the team. Some seem to think it's a negotiating tactic to get more money out of the Devils. Shero says he can't control Zacha either way.
"His agent told me a couple days ago (that he could sign in the Kontinental Hockey League), but I'm hopeful we'll get something done over the next few days entering training camp," Shero said Monday at the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. "I think we're trying to find the right term and based upon his age. He's a real good fit for us and a good player, he's a young guy whose game is evolving. I think we can get something done, hopefully, but I can't control what he does. If (the KHL) is the route he likes, it's going to be a long road back to the NHL."
In 201 NHL games, Zacha has 29 goals and 47 assists for 76 points.
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