Zadina reportedly turns down PTO from Sabres, expected to sign full NHL deal

UPDATE: Sabres insider Lance Lysowski is now reporting that Zadina has not signed a PTO contract with the Sabres and is in fact in the process of signing an NHL contract with another team.

From Lysowski:

ESPN insider Kevin Weekes reports that there are three teams are attempting to sign Zadina:

Stay tuned for an update, but in the meantime you can read our previously published report below.

This just in, former Detroit Red Wings 6th overall selection (2018 NHL Draft) has signed a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Buffalo Sabres.

The 24 year old Czech winger played last season for the San Jose Sharks, compiling 13 goals and 23 points in 72 games. It was, by far, his best NHL season to date but it evidently wasn't enough for him to secure an NHL contract for the upcoming season. Instead, he'll need to earn himself a new deal in training camp and/or the pre-season, whether it's with the Sabres or another team.

Zadina is a supremely gifted player, but he has had a difficult time adjusting to North American styled hockey at the pro level. He simply can't make plays quick enough and he often puts himself out of position simply because he has a hard time adjusting to the speed of play. If he could ever find that next gear, he could establish himself as a regular, every day NHL player. But up to this point in his career he has yet to fulfill on his draft promise. Maybe the third time's the charm?