Filip Zadina’s name was popular in Montreal, just days before the 2018 NHL draft.
In the end, the Habs decided to select Brady Tkachuk Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the 3rd overall pick… A decision that is still the talk of the town today.
That said, Zadina was selected 6th overall by the Wings and never, ever lived up to the (enormous) expectations placed on him at the time.
The forward signed a one-season contract with the San Jose Sharks last summer, and even then, he didn’t produce to the level of his talent.
He collected 23 points (13 goals) in 72 games played for the Sharks, and now finds himself still without a contract for next season.
The plan would be for him to sign a PTO (professional tryout) before the start of the camps, and at this level, there are rumours that he’s headed for Buffalo.
However, according to a Czech reporter (Pavel Barta), the Habs are also interested in offering him a PTO:
According to this reporter, the #CH would be one of 3 clubs willing to sign Filip Zadina on a professional trial (PTO), the other two being the Leafs and the Avalanche.
A PTO doesn’t commit you to anything… To be continued! #Habs #Canadians https://t.co/CspJRTnt6m
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) August 27, 2024
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In his tweet, Pavel Barta also talks about the Avalanche and Leafs… While saying that the Buffalo rumors are false.
Anyways.
What interests us here is the link between Zadina and the Habs.
We know that the Habs need to find a way to score goals, and we know that Zadina has a very offensive style when he’s on the ice.
He has everything to interest Kent Hughes: we’re talking about a player who’s only 24 years old and who was drafted so quickly because of his offensive qualities. We’re talking about a low-risk gamble, and we know the Habs GM likes players like that.
However, we’re also talking about a player who can’t be placed in any situation because his defensive game is lacking. Zadina has often cheated since his NHL debut because he wants to help his club offensively, but it doesn’t work that way in today’s National League.
Especially when your coach’s name is Martin St-Louis… #ColeCaufield
The project could be interesting to some because, in the end, the risk is really minimal.
At worst, if he doesn’t make the club, all the Habs have to do is release him to give him another chance elsewhere… And it wouldn’t cost much to try to fit him into the Montreal lineup, even though there are already plenty of forwards with a guaranteed spot in town.
Yes or no?
Overtime
– It’s going to be tough…
Guerin hopes Wild will ‘bounce back’ as buyout constraints continue https://t.co/xODAwqd0R5
– theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) August 27, 2024
– Bummer.
LAST HOUR: despite a very good camp🏈https://t.co/aFN8hkfGqL
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 27, 2024
– It happens.
Jesse Marsch on Samuel Piette’s non-selection:
“I spoke to Samuel. I told him I liked his last few games, but that in this window there was less room.
We wanted to see Niko (Sigur) and so I judged that to maintain the team it was… pic.twitter.com/fBiotFzTZr
– Jeremy Filosa 🎙 (@JeremyFilosa) August 27, 2024
– Tiger Woods, John Daly… And Bryson Dechambeau.
Question of the day 👇 pic.twitter.com/ReV48176Rb
– TSN 690 Montreal (@TSN690) August 27, 2024