Vladimir Zharkov

2005-06: Zharkov spent the majority of the season with CSKA 2, a step below the senior squad and scored 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points in 48 games. During the World Junior Championships in December, Zharkov suited up for four games and saw limited action with CSKA’s senior team. For a player of his age Zharkov fared quite well. He also played at the U18 Championships for Russia, though his ice time was quite restricted.

2006-07: Zharkov continued to skate for HC CSKA, but the skilled 88-born forward hit a bit of a sophomore slump and failed to take the next step, continuing to play a marginal role on the team.  Part of the reason for his lack of success is the team’s high aspiration, since it was aiming for a playoff spot and ended up finishing the season in fifth place. Thought to be in consideration for a spot on the Russian team for the World Junior Tournament, Zharkov did not get chosen to represent his country. In 48 games with CSKA, Zharkov scored four goals and two assists and posted a -1 rating. He was held scoreless in 12 playoff games.

2007-08: Zharkov completed his second full season with CSKA Moscow, but again saw limited action and ice time with club, and as a result, had another pedestrian year. He suited up in 30 games, scoring five goals and two assists, marginally improving on his numbers from his the previous season, where he recorded six points. Zharkov constantly gave a good effort, gritting it out and showing off his fantastic speed when he got a chance to play, but things just didn’t work out for him. Another factor was that his team was really stacked at both wings with good players in their lineup such as Saprykin, Suglobov, Parshin, Kohn and others. As a result, he was scratched out for CSKA’s playoffs ride, stopped in the quarterfinals against Ak Bars Kazan. Those factors likely played a large role is his decision to cross the pond and come to North America after signing a contract in July with the Devils.

2008-09: Zharkov’s stock in the organization continued to rise as he made a seamless transition to the pro game with Lowell. Across the board, Zharkov’s numbers were quite impressive for a first-year pro, most notably his +23 rating, best on the club and tops among AHL rookies. In 69 games, he recorded 11 goals and 23 assists, good enough for fourth on the club.