The Colorado Avalanche have training camp in full swing. They’ll be playing their first preseason game on Sunday against the Utah Mammoth. The game will likely feature a number of non-roster players getting a look before the first cuts get made.
But one player that may survive the first few rounds of cuts is Russian forward Zakhar Bardakov. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with Bardakov. He’s not the type of name that will jump off the screen and wallop you in the face.
The 24-year-old could very well jump at you before camp is out.
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.
Here’s a look at Haefele’s glowing review:
“I’m always weary of trying to hype of training camp All-Stars (Brian Willsie is, to date, one of the best training camp players I’ve ever watched), but Bardakov genuinely looks really good. He’s been flying out there and he is a well-built human being. He skates with power and purpose and that is a key trait to a guy trying to win a job as the fourth-line center.”
Bardakov looks like a lock for the fourth-line role. According to Daily Faceoff and PuckPedia, Bardakov will take over the 4C spot.
Parker Kelly had been initially slated in that role. But by the looks of it, Kelly will move over to one of the wing spots to make way for Bardakov.
It’s still a bit early, but any time a player like Bardakov can emerge as a dark horse, it’s the type of thing fans want to see on the ice.
Bardakov injects much-need youth and depth for Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche have a clear need for youth and depth. Bereft of high-end draft picks, the Avalanche are counting on guys like Bardakov to emerge seemingly out of the blue.
The Avs acquired Bardakov in a trade with the New Jersey Devils at the 2024 trade deadline. Colorado sent tough guy Kurtis MacDermid to the Devils in exchange for a 2024 7th-rounder and Bardakov.
Boy, that deal could look like a steal for the Avalanche at this point. If Bardakov can cement himself as a legit 4C, the trade could be one of the savviest moves ever made by Chris MacFarland.
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.
Incidentally, the 7th-rounder became Christian Humphreys. The 19-year-old had a good season with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL last season. He scored 11 goals and totaled 33 points in 28 games.
He’s currently unsigned and will likely play one more season in the OHL. His rights expire in 2028, so there’s no rush to ink him right now.