Breaking: Former 1st round pick finally signs a new deal

The Colorado Avalanche have agree to a two-year deal with restricted free-agent defenseman Nikita Zadorov.

The blue liner had not show up to camp yesterday, awaiting an agreement on a new contract. 

The 22-year-old Zadorov was acquired by the Avs from the Buffalo Sabres as part of a package in return for forward Ryan O’Reilly. 

The 6’5”, 220 lb Zadorov has considerable upside given his size and skating ability, but has yet to put it all together and establish himself as a dependable NHL defender. In 56 games with the Avs last season he went goalless and added 10 assists, while sporting a -20 plus/minus rating.