The Hockey News’s Tony Ferrari posted an article this morning which discusses the Red Wings’ decision to continue to “bet on” Filip Zadina’s development:
It feels as if Filip Zadina has been in the NHL for so, so long.
Deemed a bust by so many in hockey, Zadina will turn just 23 in the upcoming season. While he hasn’t burst onto the scene as we have become accustomed to in recent years, Zadina has provided value away from the scoresheet that isn’t as easily identified.
Recently signed to a three-year contract worth $1.825 million per season, Zadina is very evidently talented when watching his game in isolation. That presents many questions about his game – starting with who is Zadina now that he’s locked in as a piece of the Red Wings’ rebuilding squad?
Zadina is a good skater who effectively uses his agility and puck skills in transition. Aside from captain Dylan Larkin, Zadina entered the offensive zone with control more than any other Red Wing last season. His zone transition numbers across the board are among the best on Detroit’s roster which indicates that the skill and pace of his game that he was drafted for aren’t quite as absent as many assume based on his counting stats.
