[mile]

https://www.tsn.ca/talent/calgary-fl...alji-1.1896865

TSN: You’re off to a great start this season so far. There’s a line of thinking that an NHL defenceman needs 200 games to understand his identity and who he is. How do you feel about that? Your game is at a really high level. Do you feel like you’re establishing yourself now?

Zadorov: “How many games?”

TSN: They say 200, but that’s the media. (Zadorov has played 518 games)

Zadorov: [laughs] “Did Cale Makar need 200 games to see his identity? I think it just depends on the player. I feel like it took me more than 200 for sure. Some guys it takes them quick, right off the drop, so it just depends on your mentality. You’re learning from something, the coaches you have, the teammates you have, what kinds of teams you’re on – if you’re coming to a winning team with good veteran guys who help you understand the league and the way to play. I think that’s so much easier. For me, it was kind of hard because in my first four years in the league, I was with the worst teams in the league, so it was hard to learn. Then we started building something in Colorado and it took time to figure out, but the coaches are the big difference. I feel like right now, the way Darryl’s taught me from last year, it’s helped me way more than the coaches from before.”

TSN: Who’s the toughest guy to defend one-on-one in the league?

Zadorov: “Connor [McDavid] is up there, definitely. But I’d say, we don’t play them much, but he’s been hard for me in the past, but Matthew Barzal. He’s a really good skater and shifty and he gives the puck away right away. He doesn’t try to hold it, the passing. I think he’s a really smart player. He’s in my head when I play against him.”

TSN: Finally, you’re getting noticed as one of the more fashionable players around the league and have made some style rankings lists. Is that new for you?

Zadorov: “Where’s the list?”

TSN: Bleacher Report


Zadorov: “Well, they make awful lists. They put guys that wear pajamas to the game.”