Top draft pick Filip Zadina joins new NHL team on a PTO
Filip Zadina, a former sixth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, is now trying to secure a spot in the NHL for the 2024-25 season through a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the Buffalo Sabres.
Despite being a highly touted prospect when drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, Zadina struggled to establish himself in the NHL, spending significant time with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.
In July 2023, the Red Wings placed Zadina on waivers after unsuccessful trade attempts, and he became an unrestricted free agent when Detroit declined to extend a qualifying offer.
Zadina then signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the San Jose Sharks for the 2023-24 season. He played 72 games for the Sharks, recording 13 goals and 23 points which is his best NHL season to date, but it wasn't enough to earn a contract extension.
Now, Zadina hopes the PTO with Buffalo will lead to a full-time NHL contract. If not, the 24-year-old from the Czech Republic may have to return to Europe to continue his hockey career.
UPDATE:
According to Kevin Weekes, the report that the Buffalo Sabres have inked Filip Zadina on a PTO deal is inaccurate.
He's currently being linked to 3 NHL teams.
Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor this situation closely.
| POLL | ||
27 AOUT | 38 ANSWERS Top draft pick Filip Zadina joins new NHL team on a PTO Do you think Filip Zadina will turn his PTO with the Buffalo Sabres into a regular contract? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 52.6 % |
| No | 18 | 47.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
