In a surprising twist, despite initial reports suggesting a future with the Buffalo Sabres, free agent forward Filip Zadina appears set to sign a professional tryout (PTO) deal with one of three other teams instead. According to Czech reporter Pavel Barta, Zadina is expected to choose between the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Colorado Avalanche, all of whom have offered him tryout contracts for the upcoming training camps. “Agent Darren Ferris told Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News that Filip Zadina is nearing a PTO deal, but will sign elsewhere instead of the Buffalo Sabres. There was also speculation about the Maple Leafs, Avalanche, and Canadiens,” Barta shared on X on August 27.
If Barta’s information holds true, the 24-year-old Zadina will likely join Toronto, Montreal, or Colorado in an attempt to secure a regular-season roster spot based on his PTO performance. Originally a highly-touted prospect, Zadina was drafted sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Draft. However, over his six NHL seasons, he has managed just 41 goals in 262 games. Despite his modest scoring record, Zadina’s youth and untapped potential continue to attract interest from teams eager to help him reach his peak.
Montreal’s pursuit of Zadina is particularly intriguing, given their history with him. In 2018, the Canadiens passed on Zadina with the third overall pick, choosing Jesperi Kotkaniemi instead. Zadina famously stated he would “fill their net” with goals—a claim that has since become ironic given his underwhelming scoring record. Zadina is coming off his best goal-scoring season, tallying 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points in 72 games with the Sharks in the 2023-24 season.
For teams like Montreal, Toronto, and Colorado, Zadina represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity as they prepare for the upcoming season, aiming to strengthen their rosters and build on their existing cores.
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