Latest report drops bombshell career update on Avalanche top prospect
Photo credit: Mile High Hockey
A recent has delivered a bombshell development regarding Colorado Avalanche forward prospect Zakhar Bardakov, providing the latest twist in his young career and leaving fans eager to see what it means for his future with the team.
Bardakov is the one Avalanche prospect who has a legitimate shot at cracking the opening night roster.
New report reveals career update concerning Zakhar Bardakov.
Ezra Parter form Mile High Hockey writes that this summer, Russian center Bardakov made the move to North America after spending multiple seasons with SKA St. Petersburg, where he developed a strong forechecking and defense-first style of play.
That skill set could make him a natural fit for a bottom-six role in Jared Bednar's lineup. With the Avalanche currently in need of a defensive-minded center, Bardakov will likely be given every chance to crack the NHL roster right away.
"Bardakov was acquired seemingly as a thrown in contract to make the math work on the trade that sent Kurtis MacDermid to New Jersey for a fourth round pick, but quickly gained hype as a prospect by flashing speed and grit in all three zones for a good SKA team as he increased his production to 35 points including 15 goals with a bigger role last season.
His faceoff acumen drew particular notice, as Colorado routinely lacks the strength at the dot that he could offer if his work in the KHL translates to NHL draws." -Parter
His faceoff acumen drew particular notice, as Colorado routinely lacks the strength at the dot that he could offer if his work in the KHL translates to NHL draws." -Parter
Unlike most overage prospects in the Avalanche pipeline who are typically slated for AHL development before receiving a real shot at the NHL, Bardakov's situation is different.
His contract with Colorado reportedly contains a clause permitting him to return to the KHL if assigned to the minors. In an interview with RG Hockey, he explained...
»A couple of games in the minors is fine, but if you're asking if I'm ready to spend years fighting through the AHL, my answer is probably no. Colorado sees me as a two-way, third-line forward who can play on the penalty kill. We'll see how it works out. I'm ready to compete-I always started in the third or fourth line at SKA every season. I'll fight for my spot.» -Bardakov
Ideally, Bardakov secures a fourth-line spot out of training camp, making his out clause a non-factor. To thrive in a bottom-six role, he'll need to contribute offensively in spurts while consistently disrupting opponents on the forecheck and battling hard along the boards.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 23 | 28 ANSWERS Latest report drops bombshell career update on Avalanche top prospect Do you think Avalanche prospect Zakhar Bardakov will crack the opening night roster? | ||
| yes | 13 | 46.4 % |
| No | 15 | 53.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
