Here's my current theory: if at least one of Graves, Rosen or MacDonald show they're worthy of a contract extension and a full-time NHL role, Zadorov gets traded sooner rather than later.
It occurred to me after reading Ryan Clark's latest article, about how the Avs built their development system. In it he writes:
The first [significant change Sakic made] was establishing specific criteria for how they evaluate prospects. It is about finding players who fit within the premise of possessing hockey sense, skill and speed.
Hockey sense, skill and speed are not anywhere near the first things I think of when I think of what Zadorov brings to the team. This, along with the now crowded blueline and the likelihood of Girard and Byram being ahead of him before long, plus the expansion draft, means Z's time with the team may be limited.
There are plenty of teams who would see a lot of value in Z, and if we have other guys ready to take on his role long-term (Graves in particular could be this guy), Z's days may be numbered. Plus, if EJ is healthy and Byram makes the team, Z could potentially be traded even earlier than anyone expects.
And don't get me wrong. I really like Z and still have hopes he'll become a steady 2nd pair defenseman/penalty-killer. But it's looking more and more like his role on the team is bottom pair, and I don't think a) he'll be happy in that role long-term and b) we can afford to pay him what he's worth if that's all his role will be.
And honestly, at this point would you rather have Z, or, say, another highish-end goal-scoring forward prospect? Despite Z's unique and useful skillset, and I think long-term I'd rather have the forward prospect.
Honestly, other than 3rd string goalie, I think that's our biggest need right now. Who in our pipeline realistically projects to be a legit top 6 goal scorer? Kaut maybe? Newhook in several years maybe? Who else? I'd really like a near-NHL-ready goal scoring prospect in the system and I'd be willing to give up some defense depth to get him.
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