Nikita Zadorov
Defenseman Nikita Zadorov is a restricted free agent this summer. Many Avalanche fans think he’s not returning to the team next season. However, I don’t think that decision has been made yet. Colorado doesn’t have a ready replacement for the kind of hockey he plays.
However, he’s seen to be one step out perhaps because he’s often been in the coaching staff’s bad graces. That’s why he needs to have a strong playoff performance, to show what his worth to the team is.
Because make no mistake, his brand of hockey is worthwhile, especially in the playoffs. Playoff hockey amps up the intensity by several notches. It also ramps up the physicality. Zadorov is one of the most physical players we have, so the Avalanche’s success may well depend on his playing and playing well.