3 defensemen the Buffalo Sabres need to pursue in free agency
By Sion Fawkes
Nikita Zadorov
Name sound familiar? This mid-tiered free agent will cost a bit more that Lyubushkin, with a 2021-22 cap hit of $3.75 million. But you can’t deny that Zadorov, 27, would be an excellent, younger yet experienced fit to pair with Power.
And like Lyubushkin, you can expect Zadorov to fit in as the sledgehammer. He floated between the second and third pairings during his time in Calgary, so he would also fit well on the second pairing in Buffalo. Especially since he and Power can be complementary of one another.
And last season, his play was solid, with a career high 22 points and 18 assists offensively. And while his average ice time sat at a career low 16:55, he still recorded 181 hits and 32 takeaways, the latter of which also marked a career high.
He did commit 61 giveaways, so Zadorov proved to be turnover prone. However, his ability to disrupt plays and overall physicality further makes him a good one to line up opposite Power on the second pairing. He also possesses a towering frame, at 6’6, 235lb.