Morning Flurries: Bardakov signs ELC with Colorado Avalanche

One more prospect has put pen to paper.

Between Game 1 and 2, the Colorado Avalanche took care of a bit of business, tying up some loose ends by signing 24-year-old Russian forward prospect Zakhar Bardakov to an Entry Level Contract which begins next season. Due to his age, the deal can only be for one year, and then Bardakov will become a Restricted Free Agent in the summer of 2026.

Bardakov was on the radar for a contract ever since he was the trade return for Kurtis MacDermid from the New Jersey Devils in the 2024 trade deadline swap. The former 2021 seventh round pick proceeded to have his best year yet with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, putting up 35 points and 17 goals in 53 games. Due to the physical nature Bardakov plays with it wasn’t a surprise that he was out of the lineup for a couple stretches with injuries but finished strong with a goal and assist in six playoff games with SKA.

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At 6-foot-2 and 209 lbs, Bardakov has the size to go along with the net front presence and physical style of play that the Avalanche prefer in their bottom six. The breakout in production also shows the center might have enough skill to hang in the NHL. As always, with older prospects, it’s going to be about commitment more than development. Colorado has a long history of getting Russians to come over and sign a contract, but also a reputation for having them leave not long after. Will Zakhar Bardakov break the mold?