The Calgary Flames re-signed free agent defenceman, Nikita Zadorov, to a 2-year contract worth $7.5 million, or $3.75 million per season. This contract carries him through the 2023-24 season.
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Nikita Zadorov Signs Contract With the Calgary Flames
Over his nine-year NHL career, Zadorov has played for the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Calgary Flames. He has put up 27 goals and 78 assists for 105 career points in 485 career games. He was originally drafted in the first round, 16th overall of the 2013 NHL draft by the Sabres. Zadorov is coming off a career-high season. He scored four goals and tallied 22 points. Though he has bounced around from team to team, Zadorov has made it to the playoffs in four of his nine years in the league. Zadorov’s short, one-year, 3.75 million dollar contract with the Flames ended making him a free agent. He opts to return to the Flames for two more years at the same AAV.
What He Brings to the Table
The 27-year-old is as defensive of a defenceman as you can get. Being a one-dimensional player has allowed Zadorov to lean into his defensive skills and transition into the enforcing type. He is quick to stand up for his teammates and will get into a scrum if needed. At six-foot-six-inches, Zadorov has learned how to use his body to be physical and enhance his game. In one single season, he laid 278 hits. He is also known for laying open-ice hits. His physicality can be a double-edged sword, as he is known to be heavy on the penalty minutes.
However, this season he was able to create some opportunities for his linemates and grab some assists. If he can find a way to continue to produce offensively and make things happen, that will elevate his game tremendously. Despite lacking offensive production, he still has a deadly shot from the point. Zadorov could be a two-way player with the right tools but will be crucial defensively for his team.
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