I want to be clear that I'm not calling Zadina a bust. However, I've prepared myself for that conclusion. I believe all the signs are there. Yes, he does have elite skill and there are very good characteristics that explain why he was viewed as one of the best in his draft class. However, there are some very obvious signs that point to him being a bust. He plays smaller than he is, on the slow side and not strong. His game is very, very one dimensional. When teams scrutinized him, his stock fell. Did the Wings get a steal at 6, or did we just not pick up on what others saw? I'm thinking the latter. We probably should have passed and picked a D.
His whole start to this season has been poor, from training camp through five games in the AHL. We can include his games with the Wings last season as well as his first pro season in GR. The offensive potential hasn't yielded much in the way of results. He does not look dangerous out there, it is more like overwhelmed. Lots of mistakes and bad decisions. He's a defensive liability and the numbers show it.
It's still possible he figures it all out and goes on to be an impact player at the NHL level. I don't think it is going to happen, though. I think it is much more likely he plays out his ELC in GR and then moves over to Europe, where the bigger ice will give him the time needed for his abilities to create offense. Time he doesn't get here because everyone is so big and fast.