Avalanche Sign Zakhar Bardakov to Entry-Level Contract

Zakhar Bardakov signed a one-year entry-level contract with the Avalanche, the team announced on Sunday.

Bardakov had 17 goals and 18 assists in the KHL this past season, recording a career-high 35 points in 53 games for SKA St. Petersburg.

The native of Seversk, Russia, was originally drafted 203rd overall in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL entry draft by the New Jersey Devils. Colorado acquired the 24-year-old centerman from New Jersey in the deal that sent Kurtis MacDermid the other way last year.

At 6-foot-2, 209 pounds, Bardakov is hoping to further develop his game as a physical centerman who throws his body around and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty.

His deal is for the 2025-26 season.