“It’s all in my hands, if I get on the field from the start of the season and show my game consistently, there will be no problem to get a long-term deal. My defensive responsibilities are not going anywhere. In the last two seasons everyone has realized that I can play against the best hockey players in the world. Close, ineffective. At the same time, I can score when I need it. Score points”– Nikita Zadorov said these words almost two years ago, when he was still a Chicago player.

For the Blackhawks, Zadorov only played one season. He scored 8 points in 55 games, the worst result in his career. As you understand, he did not receive a long-term contract from Chicago. Moreover, the Hawks traded him to the Calgary Flames for a third-round pick. Simply put, I got rid of it. Nikita’s expectations shattered against the rocks of harsh reality. But today, already a Calgary player, Zadorov has the opportunity to prove with his own action the thesis that “Zadorov can play against the best hockey players in the world”.

Zadorov was lucky in a way. Calgary went to Edmonton in the second round of the playoffs. This is a chance not only to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Alberta Derby, but also to test yourself against the backdrop of Connor McDavid. The regular season top scorer spent the series with Los Angeles in such a way that it’s fair to say he single-handedly pushed Edmonton to the next level. Usually this type of turnover is a huge exaggeration, but not so for McDee, who averaged two points per game.

We don’t know if Nikita is happy with this situation, but her shifts intersect with McDavid’s quite often. Their first meeting as a whole is not bad for the Russians. His team won 9-6 in a crazy match and Nikita left the ice with the Flyers players’ best playing time and a +1 efficiency indicator. True, once Edmonton overlooked the captain, and before that he allowed defender Tyson Berry to enter the zone where the goal attack began.

However, there was a much brighter episode in the second game of the series, which Calgary lost. At the start of the second period, the Oilers 1:3 was on fire and everything seemed to be under the control of the host. Zadorov tried hard to meet the receiving disc McDavid, but failed badly instead. Connor, his physical condition noticeably below him, stood up and did not stray from the path towards the target. This is how “Oilmen” started their comeback.

Zadorov finished the second match of the series with “-1”. His stats were smashed by Edmonton’s fifth goal, also on McDavid’s shift. That’s right, this time the Russian defender lost with his feet to another superstar, Leon Draisaitl. 3:5 – this is the final score of the meeting. Zadorov may not be the worst player of the game, but he certainly can’t do this game justice.

Why is facing McDavid so important to Zadorov? Well, except it feeds his ego. The fact is that in Nikita’s career there were no serious long-term contracts yet. It shouldn’t be seen as such a rookie contract with Buffalo. In terms of money, it’s currently maxed out – $3.75 million Yeah, bad luck, even this contract is about to expire. Nikita and his manager will have to renegotiate, present arguments and bargain for a stable future.

Nikita herself did not explain why she signed a one-year contract, but admitted that she had not received offers for three, four, five years. If Calgary beats Edmonton and Zadorov doesn’t lose his face in front of McDavid, he should be able to feel pretty comfortable in the off-season. At the same time, saying “keep sight of your face” does not mean turning off MacDie completely. No one in the NHL can do that. Connor will score, there’s no escape. But minimizing its impact on the outcome is key to a great deal. Otherwise, no one will believe Zadorov’s words that he knows how to play against the best hockey players in the world.