A year ago on the first day of Avalanche training camp, newly acquired young defenseman Nikita Zadorov was asked if he had any doubts on making the opening-night roster and playing the entire season in the NHL. The big Russian didn’t like the question, despite being just 20 years old and in the middle of his two-way, entry-level contract. He felt disrespected.
Zadorov, who made the opening-night roster but played most of the season for Colorado’s American Hockey League affiliate in San Antonio, laughed about the year-old exchange Friday after the Avs’ first rookie camp practice.
“Even after I got drafted, my first year in Buffalo and I was 18 years old, I was positive I was making the team,” Zadorov said.