Alexei Cherepanov to Stay in Russia for One More Year

New York Rangers 2007 First-Rounder Alexei Cherepanov will remain in Russia for one more season, according to his agent Sergei Paremuzov.

According to Cherepanov’s Russian agent, Sergei Paremuzov, the Rangers’ No. 1 draft choice in 2007 will be staying with Avangard Omsk this year, his second with the high-ranking Siberian club. And although Paremuzov says that Cherepanov wants to play in the NHL, he also says that the 19-year-old will benefit from another year with the Hawks, where he will learn from the newly signed ex-Ranger Jaromir Jagr.

I don’t see a problem with this. The Rangers could likely use the scoring help up front, but rushing the young player could be a risky move.