Defenseman Nikita Zadorov has excellent reasons to want a long-term contract as a future unrestricted free agent this summer.
It’s simple. Zadorov is a player without a country.
Since he took a stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine, Zadorov can no longer return to his homeland. He thus wishes to offer his family as much stability as possible in the coming years.
“I will be in Siberia the next day [si je retourne là-bas]», Confided the giant defender to the media, as cited by Sportsnet.
Zadorov is therefore seeking to obtain a multi-year agreement on the market.
“The length of the contract will be the most important thing,” he noted in an interview with Sportsnet. I feel like I can easily play until I’m 35 or 36, and at a high level. My body can allow me to do it. I am not vulnerable to injury. I can reach another level in terms of leadership and hockey if I know I’m staying for the long term. It will be easier for me mentally and physically if my family can put down roots.”
A 6-foot-6, 248-pound defenseman of Zadorov’s caliber will be highly sought after. Zadorov took his game to another level during the playoffs with eight points, including four goals, in 13 games with the Vancouver Canucks, who however suffered elimination in seven games against the Edmonton Oilers in the second round.
Even if he will be in demand, a return to Vancouver cannot be ruled out.
“I was participating in my fifth series and I never made it past the second round,” Zadorov said. I want to find a team that gives me the chance to win the Stanley Cup. I think Vancouver is one of those teams.”
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