Nikita Zadorov reportedly banned from entering his home country

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Dave Colabelli
June 3, 2024 (2:50 PM)

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Pending UFA Nikita Zadorov is banned from returning to his home country as he enters free agency.

Nikita Zadorov has had an absolute turnaround in his career, ironically in his contract year. He will be a highly coveted free agent as many NHL teams' will look to add the powerhouse defenseman on a lengthy deal with a lot of money on the table. A lucky break for Zadorov as if he had no options in the NHL, the KHL is a no go as is not allowed to return to Russia until Vladimir Putin steps down.

During the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Zadorov criticized Russia, something that is unacceptable in that country. He admitted that if he returns to Russia, he would be sent right away to Siberia for service.

#Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov (@zadorov_16) says he is unable to return to his home country of Russia for as long as Vladimir Putin is in power.

Zadorov criticized Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine during an interview last summer.

"I'd be in Siberia the next day" Zadorov said last week.

Last season between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks Zadorov scored 6 goals and added 14 assists on 75 games. Zadorov also added 125 penalty minutes while playing nearly 18 minutes per night. The defender is reportedly looking for a 6 year deal paying him 6 million per season.

As read on- Blades of Steel
Free agent Nikita Zadorov banned from returning to his home country