Love this move. If you don't, maybe it is because you forgot who is coach.
Regehr was a great upcoming young D that only took off and became the Regehr we know under Sutter. Now, I doubt Zadorov is going to be the next Regehr, but I can definitely see him improving here. Consistency has been the issue with him, but I think Sutter will really help him with that.
As for his lack of offence - again, I think it is partly with consistency. He has a big shot like Regehr did, but Regehr was always gun-shy to use it in case it got blocked and resulted in an odd-man rush the other way. Maybe Zadorov will.
Lastly, I have always felt this way - if you are going to be a defensive defencemen in the NHL, then you better be good at two things - be great defensively, and be physical and hard to play against. It gives the team another strength. Now you can match Zadorov up against any power forward in the league, and have him contained (or better contained anyway) in front of the net. No more Draisaitl bumping everyone with his over-sized butt.
I won't be too happy if the contract is too long and rich, but I do think that Zadorov will become a better defencemen under Sutter. I think there is still some upside. I wouldn't be as excited if Ward was still the coach, as I don't see a solid track record when it comes to defencemen - at least not like Sutter. Sutter - to me - is part of the key here. He is going to make Zadorov a better player.
Also... this team seems to be becoming the toughest team in the NHL again. Not bad. Maybe some people feel it is going the opposite way that it should be, but the toughness is not bereft of skill, and that's the key. I love this transition.
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