Former Detroit Red Wings Draft Pick Reaches New Career All-Time Low Following Latest Announcement
Photo credit: Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers
A Detroit Red Wings first round pick signed a three year deal in Europe, suggesting the end of his NHL career.
Earlier this offseason, Filip Zadina, the Detroit Red Wings' six overall pick in 2018, was still holding onto hope that he'd get another shot in the NHL.
After putting together a solid season with HC Davos in Switzerland's National League, he hoped that his efforts would be seen in North America and contract offers would come his way.
Here's what he said back in April:
"If something like that could come from America, I would take it 100 percent"
However, he appeared to have changed his mind, as he agreed to a two-year extension with Davos. Combined with the final year left on his original deal, he's now locked in through the 2027-28 season. By the time that contract wraps up, he'll be 28.
Zadina found his rhythm overseas, scoring 21 goals and 13 assists in 43 games last season. In 262 NHL games, Zadina scored 91 points, including 40 goals.
"In Davos I felt that they took me as a valid player, they gave me a role and I filled it."
For Red Wings fans, Zadina's story is always going to sting a bit. Detroit picked him one slot before the Vancouver Canucks drafted Michigan's own Quinn Hughes, who, seven seasons later, won the Norris Trophy.
That 2018 draft was Ken Holland's final one as Detroit's GM. Now, only Jonatan Berggren, taken 33rd overall, is still with the Wings.
Joe Veleno, Detroit's other first-rounder that year, was flipped to Chicago at last season's deadline, moved to Seattle, and currently has no contract.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
