Highly-touted free-agent forward Filip Zadina is on the brink of securing an NHL deal, but it seems his path does not lead to the Buffalo Sabres.
In a recent exchange, Zadina’s agent, Darren Ferris, debunked rumors of Zadina signing a professional tryout contract with the Sabres, stating that such claims are inaccurate. Ferris further revealed that negotiations are underway with another team to finalize a deal for Zadina’s services.
Drafted sixth overall in the 2018 NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Zadina made waves last season with the San Jose Sharks after not receiving a qualifying offer from Detroit. Despite facing uncertainty, Zadina managed to notch an impressive 13 goals and 23 points in 72 games during his tenure with the Sharks.
Zadina’s goal-scoring prowess reached new heights last season, as his 13 goals marked a career high. His offensive output was particularly notable as it came close to matching his career-best point total of 24, achieved during his stint with the Red Wings in the 2021-22 season. Despite a limited 30-game appearance for the Red Wings in the 2022-23 season, Zadina showed flashes of brilliance with three goals and seven points before transitioning into free agency.
During his time with the Sharks, the 24-year-old winger carried a reasonable cap hit of $1.1 million, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive lineup.
As Zadina continues to navigate the waters of free agency, hockey enthusiasts await eagerly to see which team will ultimately secure the talented forward’s skills for the upcoming NHL season. Stay tuned for further updates on Zadina’s contract negotiations and his potential new team.
