Bardakov was a seventh round pick of the Devils in 2021 and was traded to the Avalanche last March for Kurtis MacDermid. The 24-year-old came to North America this year after five years in the KHL. Bardakov had 17 goals and 18 assists (35 points) in 53 games with St. Petersburg SKA last year.

Colorado cleared up $775,000 in cap space a week before the trade deadline as they traded Kurtis MacDermid for Zakhar Bardakov and a 2024 seventh-round pick. The Avalanche acquired Bardakov, a 23-year-old winger who was drafted in the 2021 seventh round (203rd overall). He currently skating with SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) and had six goals and 12 points in 51 games with them this season.