When Zakhar Bardakov first arrived in Denver for an optional skate before the Colorado Avalanche’s training camp, his struggles in defensive drills were obvious. However, over recent months, the Russian forward has made remarkable improvements, turning a past weakness into a newfound strength, catching the eye of team captain Gabe Landeskog. Following the University of Colorado’s 3-1 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, Bardakov stood out by energetically skating across the ice as if every moment was crucial. When asked about Bardakov’s progress since moving from Russia, Landeskog praised his skating ability, physical power, and ongoing adaptation to the North American style of hockey.
Landeskog emphasized that while stats matter, they don’t always capture a player’s full impact. Bardakov is known for his relentless effort to make plays, his commitment to defense, and his persistent pressure that forces opponents into mistakes, creating chances for teammates. Landeskog highlighted Bardakov’s strong performance against the Canucks, describing it as one of his best games in a while, noting his energy, physicality, and knack for positioning himself to generate offense.
Bardakov, who joined Colorado from the New Jersey Devils as part of a 2024 trade, had his best season with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, recording 17 goals and 35 points in 53 games. This success led to signing a one-year entry-level contract with the Avalanche for the 2025-26 season. He scored his first NHL goal on October 28 during an 8-4 Avalanche win over the Devils, a game also notable for Victor Olofsson’s first career hat trick and career-high five points.
Fan Take: Bardakov’s development highlights the value of perseverance and adaptation for young players transitioning to the NHL, offering fans a glimpse of a promising homegrown talent rising through the ranks. His growing influence on the ice could bring depth to the Avalanche’s roster, enhancing the team’s competitiveness and excitement for hockey enthusiasts.
