BREAKING: Sharks Sign Zadina

The San Jose Sharks are taking another swing at the 2018 Draft.

This time, it’s Filip Zadina, the sixth-overall pick of that Draft, that they’re taking a chance on with a one-year, $1.1 million pact.

Zadina was selected by the Detroit Red Wings, and could never quite find his footing in Motown, managing just 28 goals in 190 games in parts of five NHL seasons. The Czech sniper recently went unclaimed in waivers, in large part because of his contract – he was owed two more years at $1.825 million AAV.

But then, the 6-foot-0 winger boldly renounced the rest of his contract, leaving $4.56 million cash on the table, making himself a UFA.

The 23-year-old is making a huge bet on himself – and the San Jose Sharks, with only veterans Anthony Duclair and Alexander Barabanov clearly ahead of him on the depth chart at the wing, are a fantastic fit for a skill forward looking for more of a chance to score.

“His conversation with coach [David] Quinn helped with the decision to choose San Jose over the other teams,” Zadina’s agent Darren Ferris told San Jose Hockey Now.

It’s a no-risk, all-upside bet for Quinn and GM Mike Grier.

While Zadina signed with the San Jose Sharks as a UFA, because he’s under 27, he will be an RFA at the end of next season. So the Sharks will keep his rights if Zadina’s gamble pays off.

Zadina’s arrival comes on the heels of 2018 16th-overall pick Martin Kaut leaving the Sharks to sign with he and Zadina’s old Czech club Pardubice HC. They were teammates there as teenagers in 2016-17.

The Sharks retain Kaut’s rights. They acquired him in January from the Colorado Avalanche, in part for the 21st-overall pick of the 2018 Draft, Ryan Merkley.

Hopefully, third time’s the charm for the San Jose Sharks!