Zakhar Bardakov (Photo by HC SKA)
Zakhar Bardakov is the first rookie signed by the Colorado Avalanche for the 2025–26 season. The Russian forward signed a one-year entry-level contract. Previously, he played for SKA Saint Petersburg. The Avalanche acquired his NHL rights in 2024 through a trade with the New Jersey Devils, who drafted Bardakov 203rd overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.
“SKA made me a good offer, but I chose Colorado,” Bardakov told RG in an interview. “At my age, it’s probably my last real chance to make it to the NHL. Colorado has salary cap issues, which means there’s a genuine opportunity for me to earn a spot. So, why not give it a try?”
The past season was the best in the 24-year-old forward’s career. He scored 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 53 KHL regular-season games with a plus-20 rating. In the playoffs, he added 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in 6 games, finishing with a plus-2 rating.
“This season I discovered new aspects of my game—I realized I could play differently. Of course, the results influenced my decision too. I’ve considered going to the NHL before, but back then it was about New Jersey. I’ve changed my approach to preparation and attention to detail. Additionally, the coaches trusted me more, and my ice-time increased significantly—that played a huge role,” explained the player.
Bardakov spent four seasons with SKA. His former teammates, Alexander Nikishin and Ivan Demidov, have already moved to the NHL.
“I also thought about going earlier,” Bardakov admitted. “It’s not that I was afraid; I just didn’t want to jump into the fire immediately. With poor English, it would have been challenging to immediately fit into a new league. The playoffs had already started, and I had an injury, so I wouldn’t have been able to play anyway. I still have two or three more weeks off the ice.”
Bardakov’s contract with Colorado includes a clause allowing him to return to the KHL. Zakhar also admitted he wasn’t ready to play regularly in the AHL.
“I insisted on having this clause right away. The team assured me they wouldn’t send me down to the AHL unless it’s to regain my form after an injury.
A couple of games in the minors is fine, but if you’re asking if I’m ready to spend years fighting through the AHL, my answer is probably no. Colorado sees me as a two-way, third-line forward who can play on the penalty kill. We’ll see how it works out. I’m ready to compete—I always started in the third or fourth line at SKA every season. I’ll fight for my spot.”
Bardakov could have moved to the NHL two years ago, but he didn’t feel ready back then. At that time, his rights belonged to the New Jersey Devils. In March 2024, Colorado acquired his rights in exchange for Curtis MacDermid.
“The trade happened overnight, and my agent called me in the morning, saying the new team wanted to talk. We had discussed it briefly in the winter, but I made clear that I’d decide only after the season. When SKA’s playoffs ended, we talked again. After a conversation with Colorado’s management, I made my decision.”
Bardakov is a versatile forward, capable of playing both at center and on the wing. According to the player, Colorado sees him primarily as a center. He’s a strong skater, useful as a checker, tough, and always willing to stand up for teammates.
Bardakov will prepare for the new season in Saint Petersburg and plans to travel with his wife to Denver in July to get acquainted with the city, the club, and find housing. He’ll then return to Russia before heading back to Colorado in early September ahead of training camp.
He hasn’t received any special preparation guidelines from Colorado yet but was advised to improve his English.
“My understanding is pretty good, but speaking is tougher. Constructing sentences is hard. I’m working with a tutor and hope to see progress by the start of the season.”
Zakhar also admitted he hasn’t closely followed the Avalanche nor watched Nathan MacKinnon play.
“I’ve only heard that he takes care of his diet and leads a healthy lifestyle. We’ll see how things really are. If he’s demanding, that’s fine. The main thing is to take criticism positively. Criticism is normal. When players demand from each other, that’s how a team is built.”
Bardakov admitted that deciding to move to Colorado wasn’t easy. He also didn’t rule out returning to SKA.
“I came to SKA as a young kid, a schoolboy, and I’m leaving as a grown-up player. I’m proud of myself and grateful to the club for everything. It’s tough to leave, but I hope to return one day. If things don’t work out in America, I’m ready to come back to Russia.”
Daria Tuboltseva
