A Case For Necas To Wait On An Extension; Could Bardakov Be A Camp Wild Card?

Still with the Avalanche, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post suggests that prospect winger Zakhar Bardakov could be one of the biggest wild cards heading into training camp later this month. The 24-year-old is in his first season in North America after signing his entry-level deal back in April. Bardakov had 17 goals and 18 assists in 53 games with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL last season and GM Chris MacFarland has brought him up unprompted twice when discussing their roster. Colorado churned through many different bottom-six options last season and if Bardakov can come in and even hold down a regular spot on the fourth line right away, that would certainly help deepen their lineup.