Making sense of the Filip Zadina rumors

Filip Zadina was a former star for the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL. He had 82 points in 57 games in his draft year, and then the Detroit Red Wings chose him with the sixth pick. Zadina believed he should have gone higher, making the infamous comment that he would fill the net of every team who passed on him in the draft. One of those teams was the Montreal Canadiens, who took Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the third-overall selection. Zadina hasn't filled anyone's net, recording 91 points in 262 NHL games.

It has gone so far downhill for Zadina that he is now looking for a professional tryout agreement for the 2024-25 season. He had just 23 points in 72 games with the San Jose Sharks last season and looked poised to sign a tryout with the Buffalo Sabres. However, Zadina's agent recently denied that claim, saying they are weighing the options on possible teams. The reporter who initially said the Sabres rumour, Pavel Barta, walked back the report, saying that the Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche were in contention. The newest report corroborates Kevin Weekes' claim that three other teams are vying for Zadina's services.

So, what could the Canadiens gain by signing Zadina or bringing him in on a PTO? Here's what Curtis Joe had to say about Filip Zadina in his draft year.

Filip Zadina is a dynamic offensive forward that plays a complete game. A deft and agile skater, he exhibits explosive mobility both up and down the ice. In all three zones, he proactively looks to create problems for the opposition. His awareness is indicative of his high level of hockey sense, and he knows how to make plays and scoring chances materialize. Has a goal scorer's toolbox, complete with the individual puck skills that one comes to expect from today's elite offensive players. The accurate release on his shot is noteworthy and is a defining aspect of his offensive capabilities. Defensively sound, he disrupts lanes and pressures the opposition to make hasty decisions; he is tenacious in pursuit of puck control and transitions up-ice naturally. All-in-all, Zadina can be categorized as both a two-way forward with a well-rounded game and a dominant offensive force. - (Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects 2018)

Many people on social media seem upset about the possibility of Zadina signing with the Canadiens. It shouldn't surprise anyone anymore, but the jokes have been flying about him becoming a member of the Habs after his "filling the net" comment. However, let's give this guy the benefit of the doubt and allow him to prove he can still play at an NHL level.

Worst case scenario? He gets a PTO and doesn't even make the team at no cost. He heads back to Czechia for the season or signs on with another team. Best case scenario? He earns a spot on the team, proves he can still play, and remains a depth option for the Canadiens for years or becomes someone they can flip at the trade deadline if out of contention.

Fans shouldn't be so quick to shoot down a player's attempt at reigniting their career. Let's give Filip Zadina a chance if he signs with the Canadiens in the next week and welcome him with open arms. Zadina might become the player Connor Joe and everyone else expected him to be.