One of the biggest draft busts in NHL history is looking to return to the league
Photo credit: Detroit Hockey Now
Filip Zadina was another Ken Holland draft selection in 2018 that set the Red Wings during the rebuild, now the HC Davos player is entertaining a return to the NHL.
Filip Zadina was selected 6th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. He'd be unable to escape the "bust" label after playing only 262 games in the NHL for both the San Jose Sharks and Red Wings.
Needless to say, after a disappointing season in San Jose, playing 72 games and scoring only 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) he's taken on a role as a key player in the Davos HC lineup.
With his recent successes gaining notoriety across the media, Zadina is eyeing an eventual return to the NHL.
Which given the fact that GM Mike Grierer wouldn't keep him around, may put a damper on his goal.
This season with Davos he's scored a total of 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) and feels he's earned another look despite all of the noise.
««If something like that could come from America, I would take it 100 percent,» Zadina said. «But on the other hand, I want to look to the future, I want to be a good player who helps the team decide games. And I didn't have that role in America..
It's difficult to tell where Zadina would fit in, given his sordid history as a 1st-round draft bust in the league.
Not even a rebuilding San Jose Sharks squad could turn him into a viable top-six winger. Maybe he could suit up as a bottom-six role player elsewhere?
«If it comes, it comes,» Zadina said. «If not, of course I won't hang my head. I was there for a few years, I tried it, it was great.»
It's doubtful a contract offer will ever come from a forward who is ranked 153rd overall in scoring among Red Wings forwards.
Instead, it may be a team that needs a 13th forward, or maybe even a depth role player in the AHL.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 27 | 163 ANSWERS One of the biggest draft busts in NHL history is looking to return to the league Do you think forward Filip Zadina, an ex-Detroit Red Wings player, is capable of playing NHL-level hockey after his success with Davos HC? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 31.9 % |
| No | 111 | 68.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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