The Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov is a force to be reckoned with on the open market. It’s hard to believe two things about Zadorov’s career projection up to this point. Zadorov’s career-high in ice time is only 19:28, despite his obvious physical advantage. In this year’s playoffs, he has impressed observers with his average 20:09 of ice time. So, let’s figure out how much he is owed this summer, and whether it will be with the Canucks.
How Much Will Nikita Zadorov Earn on the Open Market?
It is tough to say how much Nikita Zadorov will demand in the open market. Alternatively, it is difficult to get inside Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin’s head. More correctly, it is Brad Treliving who signed Zadorov in Calgary. It really depends on two things. Term, obviously. But also, how much of a contender the team that signs him is versus the ratio of how much cap space they have to spend. It’s possible, that not with 100% certainty, Zadorov falls into one of these two algorithms, but he might. Zadorov is an exciting players, and performs in the playoffs. He could make $7M next year or he could make $4M, really depends where he slots-in, and he knows that. Look at Oliver Ekman-Larsson for example. He’s a top pairing defenceman with the right contract structure. Zadorov, is an absolute beast.
It really is tough to predict, free agency. Because you never know which team has the salary cap space, but combine that with the desire to be Stanley Cup contenders. Anyway, free agency really isn’t difficult when you break it down. It’s not about the player, it’s not about the analytics, it’s about wins-above-replacement. However, hockey has an exciting endeavour to arrive at the same conclusion. Zadorov is a game changer. The physicality he brought to the Canucks playoff defence was very noteworthy. He had eight points and 26 PIMs in 13 Canuck 2024 playoff games.
A Review of Nikita Zadorov Stats
Nikita Zadorov has moved around a lot in his career. Therefore, he has found it very difficult to find his game. He seemed to find his game in Vancouver, and has earned his pay raise. In 2023-24, Zadorov recorded 20 points in 75 games, in just 17:26 of ice time. He is a force to be reckoned with, but does need to find his role within the club. His career-high in ice time coincided with his career-high in hits, in 2017-18. Interesting that it was the second most games he’s played in his career. The 6’6″ defenceman checks the right boxes.
Where Will the Russian Defenceman Sign?
The last thought we will leave you with is as follows. It is interesting, perhaps a 1980s theory, but one-year deals are the way to go. If the contract is successful in terms of the teams’ playoff success, everyone wins. It becomes a bidding war, with the home team discount. Either way, come spring time hockey, Zadorov more than proved from his run with the Canucks that he is an impact value add.
Main photo credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
