Even on off days, the Colorado Avalanche are keeping themselves busy. They have signed forward Zakhar Bardakov to a one-year entry-level contract, starting in the 2025-26 season.

The 24-year-old Russian forward has made his way up the ranks in Russian hockey, most recently playing in the KHL. Since 2021-22, he has played for SKA St. Petersburg and in international competition for Russia 25. This last season, he wrapped up 17 goals and 18 assists in 53 games, totalling 35 points.

The 6-foot-2 forward was fourth overall on the team in scoring and eighth in assists as well. He did tack on an additional goal and assist in the KHL playoffs, but his team was eliminated in the opening round.


Bardakov was drafted in the seventh round in the 2021 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils. He was picked 203rd overall, and then traded to the Avalanche when they traded Kurtis MacDermid to the Devils.

He is a player who is big and reliable. He’ll play a style which could interest the Avalanche with board battles and hard forechecking. Plus, he’s able to put some points up on the board as well.

This has been the plan for Bardakov for some time now. He only signed a one-year contract for the 2024-25 season, and it had been rumored he would not re-sign in Russia and look to move to North America. Now he gets the opportunity to experience playing professional hockey in North America for the first time.

Bardakov could be an outside contender for a bottom-six forward spot for the Avalanche’s first team next year, depending on who the Avalanche decide to hang onto once the season comes to a close. However, it is more likely he’ll report to the AHL-affiliate Colorado Eagles and join the team in Loveland.