Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Wednesday that Zakhar Bardakov is expected to sign with SKA St. Petersburg for the 2026-27 KHL season, though neither Colorado nor SKA has confirmed the move.
- Bardakov’s NHL contract expired after the 2025-26 season and reports say his signing rights would remain with the Colorado Avalanche as a restricted free agent.
- The 25-year-old played 60 games for Colorado in 2025-26, recording one goal and nine assists while serving as a physical fourth-line forward and earning regular lineup trust.
- Colorado acquired Bardakov’s NHL rights in 2024 after he broke out in the KHL with 17 goals and 35 points in 2024-25, and the expected return continues a pattern of players leaving short North American stints for larger roles in Russia.
- If Bardakov signs with SKA, the Avalanche will need to replace depth minutes lost this offseason following recent moves such as the Ross Colton trade, making forward depth a key roster priority.