MLive’s Ansar Khan discusses Filip Zadina this morning, noting that the 21-year-old forward is expected to make the jump from regular NHL’er to regular offensive contributor this season:
“We would love for him to take that next step offensively,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “If he’s occupying a top-six role he has to take that next step offensively, otherwise somebody else will get that opportunity.”
Blashill said he hopes to keep Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi together all season. Zadina has been on that line during the first three days of training camp, but if he doesn’t click with them, Blashill said he will put someone else in that spot.
It’s a terrific opportunity for Zadina, who scored only six goals, in addition to providing 13 assists, in 49 games last season.
“I would be really excited for sure,” Zadina said. “I’m doing the best I can to stick with them as long as I can.”
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