Well, I was hoping for a longer deal at a lower cap hit, to be honest.
From Zadorov's side, he is betting on himself. I think that this is a good bet to take given that he will be coached by Darryl who will probably make him look great here. It is also not much of a reach to think that Zadorov is looking to sign in Florida next season given that he lives there. Hope it works out for him.
As for Calgary, I am definitely glad that they didn't overpay to retain him on a multi-year deal. This is the 'modern NHL' - expensive defencemen need to be able to provide offence too. They need to move the puck well for the transition, and be able to jump into the play and provide a legitimate secondary scoring threat, and bonus if they can create their own offence or create offence for their teammates. Zadorov does not do this.
I like Zadorov - and I have stated that if you are a defensive-only defencemen, then you better be really good at this and add some other strengths, like physicality, work as a 'fighter' or deterrent when needed, but you better still be able to handle the puck well. I think that Zadorov can do all of this (well, he really isn't much of a fighter really, but he will). I like Zadorov overall, and I am glad that he was signed - but I am just as glad that the Flames didn't shoot themselves in the foot and lock him up long-term by overpaying. If that means Calgary loses him in the off-season, that's still better than overpaying. Overpay the guys that really move the needle. Zadorov is strong 'depth' that fills a few holes, but not someone you overpay for, so good on Treliving for not doing so.
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