Former sixth-overall pick Filip Zadina signs professional tryout contract

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Cooper Godin
August 27, 2024 (9:09)

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Former sixth-overall pick Filip Zadina has signed a professional tryout contract which will see him return to the Eastern Conference.

After a tough ending to his time with the Detroit Red Wings organization, Filip Zadina had his contract mutually terminated last summer, making him an unrestricted free agent. It didn't take him long to find a new home however, as just three days later he signed with the San Jose Sharks.

Zadina wasn't brought back by the San Jose Sharks following the 2023-24 campaign, despite being a useful depth piece for them and finishing fourth in goals on the team. He became a UFA on July 1st and now it appears he's found a new home, at least for training camp.

According to Pavel Barta of Denik Sport, Filip Zadina has signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the Buffalo Sabres. Zadina will join the Sabres for training camp next month and play in pre-season games while trying to earn a guaranteed contract for the 2024-25 campaign.

During his time with the Sharks in 2023-24, Zadina set a new career high in goals and was one point off tying his previous high in points which he set with the Red Wings back in 2021-22.

In 72 games for San Jose last season, the Pardubice, Czechia native registered 23 points (13 goals, ten assists), 18 penalty minutes and was a minus-44.

If he's able to earn a contract with the Sabres, Filip Zadina would be a solid depth piece for Lindy Ruff's group, who are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2011. While Zadina doesn't necessarily move the needle in terms of impact on how the Sabres will do, it never hurts to have enough depth and teams that are hoping to contend for a playoff spot need plenty of that during a long, grueling 82-game schedule.

Update

The agent for Filip Zadina denies this report and claims he is working on a contract right now for the forward.