In 2025, there’s a possibility that the Colorado Avalanche could attract another Russian prospect.

Zakhar Bardakov, who was obtained from the New Jersey Devils on March 1 as part of the Kurtis MacDermid trade, has recently concluded his season in the KHL. His team, SKA, was eliminated from the playoffs’ second round on Monday. Bardakov’s statistics for the season include 16 points in 61 games, although his primary contribution lies beyond offense. Renowned for his physicality and prowess in penalty-killing, Bardakov plays a robust style of hockey in Russia.

Despite his contract with SKA expiring on April 30 and no extension in place currently, Bardakov has shown interest in joining the Avalanche and relocating to North America, albeit not immediately.

“I think he’ll come to play for the Colorado Avalanche after next season,” Bardakov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, told Colorado Hockey Now.

Further clarification from Babaev indicates that Bardakov’s current plan for the 2024-25 season involves another year in the KHL, although the specific team he’ll be playing for remains unspecified.

Bardakov presents a different playing style compared to Nikolai Kovalenko, who recently transitioned to North America with the Avalanche. While not possessing Kovalenko’s level of skill, Bardakov is a center, a valuable asset in any team’s system. Despite being listed at 6’2″, he appears even larger on the ice and plays with physicality, unafraid to engage in the gritty aspects of the game. His style suggests he could be a suitable fit for a fourth-line role.

Selected by the Devils in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Bardakov has spent the last four seasons honing his skills in the KHL. Consequently, if he eventually makes the transition to North America, he’ll bring with him a wealth of professional hockey experience.

As always, CHN will diligently cover Avalanche-related developments. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor Bardakov’s whereabouts for the 2024-25 season.