In Limbo: Former Tryout, Sadikov, Awaits a Trade
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Since being released by the Detroit Red Wings last month, Ramis Sadikov hasn’t played a single game with the Erie Otters of the OHL. The 20 year-old netminder is the odd man out in Erie with the team choosing to play younger goalies Tyson Teichmann and Chris Festarini. Sadikov’s position on the team is further complicated by the fact that he is an overage player and the Otters are currently two over the league limits.
The 6-foot-2, 230 pound goalie was one of the top stoppers in the OHL last season with a 2.88 goals against and .912 save percentage. Sadikov is currently being shopped around the OHL, but his status as an overager as well as the fact that he is an import player have limited the Otter’s trade options. A glut of goaltenders on the OHL market which includes: New York Rangers draftee Scott Stajcer (Owen Sound), Brandon Foote (Guelph), and possibly Dallas Stars draftee Jack Campbell (Windsor) could further reduce Sadikov’s market value.
Unfortunately the Moscow, Russia native he has fallen into a numbers game whereever he has landed this season. Although Detroit expressed interest in the big goalie, they have not only reached their 50 player contract limit. Additionally with Thomas McCollum, Jordan Pearce, and Joey MacDonald all playing in the minors there was no place for Sadikov.
Despite being cut earlier this year by the Red Wings, they will keep an eye on him especially if he is able to land with another team and return to a top OHL goaltender. The Wings, who have had an interest in Sadikov since his draft year, could be in a position to consider signing him for next season with just Jordan Pearce under contract through the 2012-2013 season. Any potential contract decision will hinge on his play this season in the OHL as well as the Detroit’s decision on Petr Mrazek and soon to be restricted free agent Thomas McCollum.
*** Editor’s Update: The Erie Otters have announced the trade of Chris Festarini to Niagra. The move will allow Sadikov to make his season debut likely this weekend.