Colorado Avalanche fans have been waiting patiently since the end of the season for news surrounding restricted free agent Nikita Zadorov. Back in July he told Sport-Express in Russia that he’d play for CSKA if he couldn’t come to an agreement with the Avalanche, as the KHL team had already offered him a lucrative contract. After a season which he flashed the potential that made him a first-round pick and centerpiece for Ryan O’Reilly, the Avalanche couldn’t accept his departure.
Earlier this month it was reported that the two sides were closing in on a two-year deal, and Alexey Schevchenko—the same reporter who conducted the interview referenced above—even went so far as to say that a deal was done. The contract would reportedly pay Zadorov $2MM per season. That number has filtered throughout the rumor mill, but has still yet to be confirmed by a North American source or announced by the team.
It does sound like Zadorov will be returning, and for good reason. The Avalanche simply can’t be as historically bad as they were last season, and the big Russian defender can be a part of the turnaround. In 56 games last season he averaged more than 19 minutes a night, and established himself as one of the most devastating open-ice checkers in the league. Now 22, Zadorov could easily take another step forward this season and start to put himself on the map among up-and-coming defensemen in the league. For a team like Colorado who is committed to a rebuild, he’ll be positioned as a key cog going forward.