We’re at the end of the Avalanche’s alphabetical list of players that played in 2017-18, so that must mean it’s time for a season review and final grade for Nikita Zadorov. Let’s get to it…

Overview

Overall, it was a season of progress for Big Z, a real stride toward becoming the player scouts thought he would become, when the Buffalo Sabres drafted him in the first round in 2013. But things sure didn’t start out well.

Zadorov came to training camp late, because he didn’t have a contract and hadn’t agreed to terms yet with Colorado. When he did sign, Jared Bednar wasn’t happy with his conditioning, and he spent most of the rest of camp trying to work his way out of the doghouse. But on opening night, in New York against the Rangers, he was a healthy scratch.

This was no way to start a season. Gradually, though, Zadorov started to work his way into a regular role. There were still some ups and downs – he was benched at times after some mistakes – but by midseason, he was playing well. He was a big part of the Avs’ 10-game winning streak, even contributing offensive points in four of seven games as part of the streak.

Toward the end of the season, he started to play very well on a more consistent basis. He also finished with 20 points (seven goals), which really helped matters at times in some tight games. He played with seemingly more confidence defensively, and showed he had no problem throwing his 6-5, 230-pound body around. He led the NHL in hits, with 278.

Unfortunately, by the playoffs, Z was playing hurt. At some point along the way, he hurt his shoulder, and would require surgery on it during the off-season. At press time, it was unclear if he would be ready to start training camp on time because of the rehab.

Assuming he returns to full health again – if he hasn’t already – even bigger things are expected from Big Z this year.

Biggest Moment

On March 13, in Minnesota, Zadorov not only was a physical force against the Wild forwards, he scored what proved the game-winning goal in a very important conquest. It was a booming slap shot from between the circles, a goal that silenced the crowd at the Xcel Energy Center, who had just seen the Wild tie the game. He played nearly 25 minutes of strong two-way hockey in the win.

What’s Next

Zadorov enters the second of that two-year, $4.3 million contract he signed last fall. Depending how he plays this season, he could be looking at a nice, big, long-term deal on the next contract.

Final Grade

B

If not for that slow start, we’d probably be talking B+ here. But like we said, it was a season of progress for the likable Russian. He’s starting to let the game come to him more it seems, instead of trying to force things. He still needs to keep working on making the safe passes out of the zone, still needs to work on his positioning and overall hockey sense. He needs to keep playing with full intensity, as it seems the times he gets in trouble are when he stops skating and/or take shortcuts. But I think the future is bright for Big Z.