So, after one game where he scored 2 points (and a couple where he looks solid as anyone else) he is a better prospect than and has more upside than a proven Frolov who has 16 points and is a stellar +9 this year and finished near the top of all rookies last year on a team that consisted mostly of AHL level talent. (at the time)
I would say this, I don't play fantasy sports so I have no clue as to how this works so forgive my ignorance and I am a homer on this one and am truly trying not to let that influence what I am saying. I also think that Dr Chimera is one of the most knowledgeable posters on the boards so mates if this comes off as pissy it isn't my intent. Actually, I am enjoying the chat about it and smiling while I write if that helps anything. I can only say this, at the end of the season Zherdev *could* do bloody great and *could* have his streaks where he is a real bang on scoring rook. He *could*. Frolov has proven to be a steady performer and now that his team is closer to having its staff back there is nothing that says that he won't do anything but continue to perform at the steady and predictable pace that he has since comming into the league.
So, the gamble would be Zherdev (who I watched delayed and he does have real scarry skills) and whether or not he will be able to produce with any consistancy or do you take the proven performer in Frolov. For my money, homerisms aside, I would want my rook to be someone I could count on to put up points to take up any slack that my vets might not provide. Thats my take but again, I am only thinking of who has produced more points and is a more established player that is coming into his own versus the reward of a sniper who has two games under his belt. Anything is possible and IF he turns out to be close to Kovy then the choice would be clear. Of course, I have a hard time believing that he will given that Kovy is one in a million talentwise but who knows.