[Signing] Flames sign Zadorov to 1 year deal worth $3.75 mil

[Sylvanfan]

Zadorov is a guy who still has some raw tools, even at his age. Size you can't teach, a deceptively good shot, and when he gets going, he moves pretty well. But I don't think I would bring him back at this price. Given some sheltered ES ice time with Gudbranson to beat up on other teams third and 4th lines he's been pretty effective. But with Kylington due a pretty good raise, it's going to be tough for the Flames to spend more than 4 million total on the third pair. I don't see any of the top 4 going anywhere so that will put Zadorov on the open market and there's likley some bad team who needs someone to take their money who'll be able to offer him a higher salary.

[Sandman]

Mackey is an NHLer as well. He needs to get some time on the third pairing next year, to see if he can’t work his way up.

[MrMike]

Once they help us win the cup this year, Zadorov and Gudbranson will take big raises from somewhere else next year.

[combustiblefuel]

Zadorov is starting to play like he did for Colarado when they whooped us.

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by combustiblefuel

Zadorov is starting to play like he did for Colarado when they whooped us.

Second-half Zadorov??

[Pointman]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

Second-half Zadorov??

That's funny because "zad" literally means "rear end" or "butt" in Russian. However, his surname doesn't mean that. It is derived from word "zador" which means "grit", "drive"

[Bingo]

I love underlying stats, they're not all encompassing, but they take a lot of opinion out of things and replace them with counts ... which I like.

But they don't measure everthing.

Zadorov's numbers are actually quite good, sheltered or not, but I have to believe having two big third pairing defenders that play the body and stick up for teammates has a role in the identity of the Flames and how teams play against them.

Same with Lucic up front (and to a much lesser degree Ritchie).

If the bottom of the roster is a complete pain in the ass to play against it must create some tough slogging for the opposition.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Pointman

That's funny because "zad" literally means "rear end" or "butt" in Russian. However, his surname doesn't mean that. It is derived from word "zador" which means "grit", "drive"

So he's Gritty's Russian cousin? Makes sense now!

[GioforPM]

I’d love it if McDabid looked down for a sec or misjudged his turn angle just once coming down Zadorov’s side. The guy is an excellent open ice hitter.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I’d love it if McDabid looked down for a sec or misjudged his turn angle just once coming down Zadorov’s side. The guy is an excellent open ice hitter.

Lol! That would be awesome. Good, clean, hard hit. The salt....oh my the salt...

"Kneel before Zad!!"

I doubt it could happen because he's too fast, but if Zad ever got the chance...

Like I said in one of the game threads, being hit by Zadorov is like being hit by a Rogue ten-story apartment building with a surly demeanor.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Pointman

That's funny because "zad" literally means "rear end" or "butt" in Russian. However, his surname doesn't mean that. It is derived from word "zador" which means "grit", "drive"

So his ass is chapped?

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Locke

Lol! That would be awesome. Good, clean, hard hit. The salt....oh my the salt...

"Kneel before Zad!!"

I doubt it could happen because he's too fast, but if Zad ever got the chance...

Like I said in one of the game threads, being hit by Zadorov is like being hit by a Rogue ten-story apartment building with a surly demeanor.

And then watch as Kassian rubs his few brain cells together as he decides whether he should come to McDavid's aid or not.

[memphusk]

Originally Posted by Shazam

So his ass is chapped?

Grit Butt would definitely do it.

[Lil Pedro]

Originally Posted by The Fisher Account

Zadz will be an all star in 2 years. Sutter is going to turn him into a Chara-lite.

You heard it here first.

CSKA Moscow by 2024

[flamesgod]

What does everyone think it’ll take to extend Zadorov? 3.75/4 or 5 years?

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Lil Pedro

CSKA Moscow by 2024

Not too sure about that.

Guys his size who hit as hard as he does and skate with the puck as well as he can are pretty popular players to have on NHL teams.

[Lil Pedro]

I will admit I have been pretty hard on him since we signed him...he definitely throws the odd pizza up the middle and is often caught in No Mans Land in front of the flames net, but over the last 20 games him and Gudbranson have played very well on the third pair. Was not expecting him to be this good of a skater. Still think $3.75 million and giving up a draft pick was a lot to get him, especially since it's very unlikely he will be back next year. That said, it's been nice to see. Flames need that third pair to be solid down the stretch and in the playoffs.

[BigRed]

Zadorov has gone from 3 or 4 OMG/shockworthy gaffes per game to just 1 (usually) while making himself useful as a decent defender, a physical force and an occasional contributor on the offensive end. If you get that Zadorov and not the guy from the first ~20 games, what's he worth? Not more than Gudbranson @ $1.95 mln, in my opinion. And I doubt he signs for that.

[lazypucker]

While Gudbranson and Zadorov are good this season, they are too expensive. You can't have a $6-million 3rd D paring, especially everyone on the Flames roster are getting a raise (Gaudreau, Tkachuk, Mangiapane, Kylington).

I hope the Flames can trade their rights away at the draft this year, at least get a couple of picks back will be good.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

I think re-signing one is a possibility, but not both. I don't think Treliving would want two inexperienced/rookie guys on the 3rd pair, but he'll be happy to have one of either Valimaki or Mackey play there next year.

My money on re-signing is probably Gudbranson because he likely won't get many offers from other teams and can be had relatively cheap for his level of experience.