Colorado Avalanche Top Prospect Issues Bold Statement Heading in to North America
Photo credit: All About The Jersey
The Colorado Avalanche prospect pool just got deeper, as GM Chris McFarland will be able to welcome Ska St. Petersburg Center Zakhar Bardakov to the organization.
Zakhar Bardakov currently plays in the KHL for SKA St. Petersburg, where he's suited up for the last four seasons, among a minor stint in the VHL.
He played a total of 53 games for SKA this season and scored 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in the second-best hockey league in the world.
The Avalanche acquired the prospect in a trade with the New Jersey Devils on March 1st, 2024, along with a 2024 seventh-round pick (which could become US NTDP center Christian Humphreys).
Bardakov is a Russian-born KHL forward and has been an established bottom-six forward in the SKA organization.
His KHL contract expires at the end of the season, and could give GM Chris McFarland a chance to sign him, and give him a shot at turning pro.
He currently has no ELC as the New Jersey Devils didn't sign him before trading for enforcer Kurtis MacDermid.
Now with the NHL in his sights, the Avalanche could utilize a young player who may not generate a lot of offense, but according to Mile High Hockey, has quite the motor, can win face-offs, and provide physical presence at the front of the net.
Mile High Hockey rated Bardakov #23 of their 25 top Avalanche prospects, and the chance to see him turn pro would be exciting.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 21 | 16 ANSWERS Colorado Avalanche Top Prospect Issues Bold Statement Heading in to North America Should GM Chris McFarland of the Colorado Avalanche sign center Zakhar Bardakov to an NHL ELC? | ||
| Yes | 15 | 93.8 % |
| No | 1 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
