You won't believe which Avalanche prospect might steal an NHL job this upcoming season
Photo credit: Maksim Konstantinov / SOPA Images
Hockey season is nearly here with NHL training camps in full swing, and every year surprise prospects emerge ready to make their mark. For the Colorado Avalanche, that surprise is Russian forward Zakhar Bardakov.
The 24-year-old is reported to be flying at camp, and has a good chance of making the opening night roster.
Zakhar Bardakov firing on all cylinders at Colorado Avalanche training camp.
Nestor Quixtan of Mile High Sticking covered Colorado Avalanche training camp, highlighting the emergence of Bardakov.
"He's been a camp standout. As Avalanche beat reporter AJ Haefele noted in DNVR on September 20, Bardakov looks like the real deal thus far. That situation could land the Russian forward in a lineup spot to start the season." -Quixtan
While most people predicted Parker Kelly to take the 4th line center role, he will likely move over to the wing in favour of Bardakov, who is clearly making his case to be the 4th line center.
Bardakov solves a need the Avalanche have been worried about for several years, and that is youth and depth. The Avalanche were in short supply of high draft picks with their win-now mentality, and Bardakov serves as a little light at the end of the tunnel.
"Of course, we're not claiming that Bardakov will win any scoring titles any time soon. But then again, considering the pressing need for affordable, reliable depth across the board, this move could be one that Avalanche fans may remember as a master stroke." -Quixtan
A clear trend has been emerging at training camp: several prospects are outperforming expectations. That gives Jared Bednar more flexibility and creativity when shaping the lineup. For the first time in a while, the Avalanche have real options across the roster, and Bardakov is part of that equation.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 13 ANSWERS You won't believe which Avalanche prospect might steal an NHL job this upcoming season Will Zakhar Bardakov make the Avalanche opening night roster? | ||
| yes | 9 | 69.2 % |
| no | 4 | 30.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
