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Avalanche sign Nikita Zadorov to a two-year contract

With the new contract, the RFA could be on the ice at training camp as early as Saturday

By Eric Sylvester
Minnesota Wild v Colorado Avalanche Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Finally, some good news to share for us bewildered Colorado Avalanche fans.

It has been reported that Nikita Zadorov has signed a $4.3 million deal over two-years to remain in Colorado, per Pierre LeBrun.

The signing brings much-needed size and experience to the Avs' blue line, and it avoids the concerns of a holdout stretching too far into training camp. It looks as if the Avalanche have their defensive core finally solidified heading into the season (unless a Duchene deal finally gets done), and Zadarov's ability to use his size and physicality effectively will be crucial to setting the tone for the young Avs this season.

All summer long, there were reports that Zadorov’s agent and the team were very close to a deal and the fact that he missed a day of camp could have probably been avoided.

This bridge deal brings very little risk to the Avs. It will give Zadorov a chance to prove he belongs in the top-4 on an NHL team and give him the opportunity to earn a bigger long-term contract in the summer of 2019.