Detroit Red Wings didn't know what the other knew about Filip Zadina at the draft
Filip Zadina's journey with the Detroit Red Wings is a story of unmet expectations. Drafted 6th overall in 2018, Zadina was expected to be the goal-scoring solution the Detroit Red Wings desperately needed.
His bold declaration, "I bring the goals," raised hopes among fans, who saw him as a potential 30-40 goal scorer. However, Filip Zadina's offensive output never lived up to that promise.
In his first few seasons, he showed glimpses of potential, posting decent numbers with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins and in limited stints with the Red Wings. But as time went on, concerns grew. By the 2020-21 season, Filip Zadina struggled to find consistent offensive production. He finished the season with only 19 points in 49 games. Despite receiving a three-year contract extension from GM Steve Yzerman the following year, his production stalled again, and injuries further derailed his career.
After mutually terminating his contract with Detroit in 2023, Filip Zadina signed a one-year deal with the San Jose Sharks, hoping to revive his NHL career. Though he improved, scoring 13 goals in 72 games, the Sharks did not extend him, and Filip Zadina ultimately decided to continue his career overseas with HC Davos in the Swiss League.
While Filip Zadina's decision to risk significant money to bet on himself is admirable, his inability to meet expectations in Detroit has cemented him as one of the Detroit Red Wings' biggest draft disappointments of the 2010s.
Source: Octopus Thrower
The hype up & fizzle out of former Detroit Red Wing Filip Zadina
| POLL | ||
Do you think Filip Zadina could have been a good player in the NHL if he had worked hard? | ||
| Yes | 54 | 62.8 % |
| No | 32 | 37.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
