Should the Blackhawks bring back this heavy hitter?

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Claire
June 18, 2022 (4:27 PM)

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Even if he wasn't known for producing and he was only on the team for one season, no one had more presence on the ice than Nikita Zadorov. It was hard not to notice him with a 6'6» frame and his consistent checks and hits being dished out. This summer he's an unrestricted free agent; could he serve as a heavy hitter to help mentor the rookies?

He had his highest point-scoring season on the Calgary Flames and put up the most shots on goal he's had in his career. While his takeaways are at an all-time high, so are his giveaways. With Zadorov, «what you see is what you get» is the easiest way to describe his play style.

A one or two-year deal would be more expensive than people would like, but Zadorov could help other defensemen be more physical. With a lack of brutality on the Blackhawks right now, he could be the temporary answer. Until players like Alec Regula and Alex Vlasic grow more confident in their checks and hits, Zadorov could fill that hole.

When Zadorov was on the Blackhawks, he was a slower skater and would often get pickpocketed by faster players. He quietly improved during his time on the Flames, but that isn't enough to justify re-signing him. If he could be signed for less than his current asking price it might be worth it, but not now.

Idea via BlackhawkUp.com

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POLL
JUIN 18 \| 153 ANSWERS Should the Blackhawks bring back this heavy hitter? Would you want to see Nikita Zadorov back in a Blackhawks sweater?
Yes!	32	20.9 %
No, no, and no.	65	42.5 %
If it helps the rebuild then maybe.	20	13.1 %
Who?	36	23.5 %
List of polls

Should the Blackhawks bring back this heavy hitter?

Would you want to see Nikita Zadorov back in a Blackhawks sweater?