Nikita Zadorov Suspended, Learns From Rookie Mistake
By Adam Savard
Nikita Zadorov was suspended today by the Buffalo Sabres for not reporting for team activities after the All-Star break ended.
The initial range of emotions from fans on social media seemed to range from “not really a big deal” to “we don’t need this on our team!” and all points in between. While the suspension certainly isn’t nothing the outrage some fans have about it is completely overblown.
Nikita Zadorov was the 16th overall pick in 2013, the same draft the Sabres selected his current defensive partner Rasmus Ristolainen. The learning curve for both on the Sabres has tested fans patience, as I’m sure it has the players. This is Zadorov’s second time making a headline this season with the first coming some comments made about his playing time.
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I backed Zadorov about those comments and I’m backing him again. That’s not to say the suspension isn’t deserved. You make a mistake with the team rules, there should be consequences. And the Buffalo Sabres are trying to build the proper culture for their young players to develop and that includes following the rules. Part of that culture is bringing in veterans like captain Brian Gionta and assistant captain Josh Gorges. The other part holds players accountable on and off the ice.
You can make the argument the Sabres have had numerous issues with on-ice accountability, but Zadorov has played rather well while averaging nearly twenty minutes of ice time per night, fourth on the Sabres. He is being trusted in key situations and learning the most difficult position in the game on the job. As I mentioned above, he wants these opportunities and is making the most of them. The 6’5”, 220 pounder has the potential to be a cornerstone defenseman for the Sabres over the next decade.
When asked about Zadorov after practice today head coach Ted Nolan gave his thoughts and, quite frankly, didn’t’ seem all that concerned about the suspension:
When hearing phrases such as “part of the learning curve” and “will join us on the road trip”, it’s clear Nolan isn’t terribly bothered by the suspension. That leads me to believe Nolan and GM Tim Murray have been in touch with Nikita Zadorov and are getting at least a reasonable explanation for his delay in returning to the team.
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That’s good enough for me and hopefully good enough for Sabres fans. The team finally has restocked the Rochester Americans with several high quality prospects, and two of those have made the team already in Zadorov and Ristolainen. To be nineteen in the NHL is extremely difficult and there are responsibilities that come with that both on and off the ice. As I mentioned above this is a young man who was upset when he was the seventh defensemen on a bad team he thought he could help. Are fans really so embittered by the lack of success of the team that they are turning on players so soon that can help revitalize the franchise?
Nikita Zadorov was right then. He did help the Buffalo Sabres and will for the next several seasons. Consider this just a bump in the road, just like the team does.