Zakhar Bardakov’s transition to NHL helped by “playing for keeps” mentality

Zakhar Bardakov (93) of the Colorado Avalanche handles the puck as Dylan Coghlan (52) of the Vegas Golden Knights defends during the third period at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)Zakhar Bardakov has a lot to learn in a short amount of time, but like anyone else moving to Denver, one part of the process was unique.

Bardakov, a 24-year-old rookie with the Colorado Avalanche, is trying to adjust to playing hockey in North America. But he had to adjust to the altitude first.

“I can tell you it was quite an easy transition,” Bardakov said through a translator. “The only thing is that I was worried about my wife and my kid: ‘How are they…