Bardakov is reportedly returning to the KHL, unhappy with his ice time in the NHL. Colorado may choose to retain the RFA’s rights, but one would assume that if there was a market for the 4th-liner it would have been explored prior to signing in Russia. Now 25 year old, he may have time for one more crack at North America in the future if he chooses.

Bardakov has suited up for 54 games so far as a rookie and his development over the year has been noticeable. He has become much smarter about using his size by leaning on opponents and generally getting in the way to create space in the offensive zone, but he’s still doing so in single-digit minutes per night (with many nights under 5:00 TOI). If the Avs ever achieve a fully healthy roster, its likely that he becomes the odd man out. With 9 points, 29 SOG, 47 hits and 14 PIMs, he’s only putting up peripherals worthy of extremely deep leagues, but in another lineup his aTOI could feasably double and move his multi-cat production into fantasy-relevant territory.

Bardakov made the Avs out of training camp, but had to wait six games (until an injury hit) to draw into the lineup as a fourth line center. In his second NHL contest he has picked up his first assist, but in typical Colorado fashion he’s playing extremely limited minutes, under 6 minutes in game two. In camp and preseason he began hesitant and became more assertive over time, and it seems like he may need similar reps in real action before he see him at his true level. His peripheral production is minimal so far until he find the edge he had in the KHL, and he’s getting demolished on faceoffs so is at risk of being moved to the wing (where we originally projected him).

Bardakov has signed a one-year deal with Colorado beginning in the 2025-26 season. This comes off the heels of his strongest KHL campaign yet, posting 17 goals and 35 points in 53 games. His stat line wont blow you away, but with 5 years of KHL experience, a big body, experience both at center and wing, the ability to pitch in on the scoresheet, be iced on either special team, and contribute peripheral stats like hits and PIMs, he is a darkhorse to have good fantasy value in deep multi-cat leagues within the next calendar year.

Bardakov has been traded to the Colorado Avalanche. Bardakov had just 6 goals and 12 points in 51 games for SKA this season. His mix of size and goalscoring will likely give him a pro career but the NHL level is looking less likely unless he can take his game up a notch, which hasn’t happened yet. – Austin Kelly

Bardakov’s season hasn’t shown much promise, as the prospect’s production dipped (three points in 19 games) and he was sent down to the VHL, Russia’s second division, where he scored two points in two games. He’s already pro-ready in terms of his size, strength and grit, but his hockey sense can be a detriment to his game at times.

The New Jersey Devils drafted 20-year-old Bardakov with the 205th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. The Russian forward played most of the season in the KHL, earning 8 goals and 11 points in 44 games. He also played at the World Juniors, earning a goal and an assist in seven games for Russia. He is due to report to SKA St. Petersburg in 2021-2022, a club that will allow him to showcase his abilities next to more skilled forwards. His net-front presence makes him a thorn in the side of goaltenders, and his ability to tip pucks puts him at an advantage in those situations. He has decent separation ability, although he could utilize his outside edges a bit more while skating. He also has a mean streak, being awarded the distinction of most penalized player in the MHL in both 2019 and 2020. A good bet to take based on his rookie KHL production.