[Cali Panthers Fan]

I don't think they're super high on Zadorov, so they didn't want to offer him term. They recognize that he's mostly defense-first and brings some size and hitting ability, but not much more. I suspect they will see how he fits this year and then offer him a longer-term deal based on his performance and fit with the club. It gives them some wiggle room to pay him as a third pairing d-man if he doesn't amount to more than that. If he doesn't work out either for contract or club fit? No biggie, just find another player to fill the role.

I thought he wouldn't get more than 3 years, but this is just fine by me as well. I'm not a huge Zadorov fan myself, but I recognize that he does fill a need in the short term.