Former first-round pick Zadina bets on himself with Sharks deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Editor’s note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more about his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng
The Sharks take another swing at the 2018 NHL Draft.
This time it’s Filip Zadina, the No. 6 pick in this draft, who they’re trying with a one-year, $1.1 million contract.
Zadina was selected by the Detroit Red Wings. He could never find his footing in Motown, managing just 28 goals in 190 games in five NHL seasons. The Czech sniper was recently unclaimed in waivers, largely because of his contract – he was still owed two years at $1.825 million AAV.
But then the 6-foot winger boldly opted out of the rest of his contract, leaving $4.56 million in cash on the table, making him an unrestricted free agent.
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