Former 6th overall pick leaves North America despite 'offers' from NHL teams

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Cooper Godin
September 2, 2024 (11:16)

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Filip Zadina's time in the National Hockey League and North American has come to and end, for now.

Last week, it was reported by a Czech journalist that Filip Zadina, former sixth-overall pick of the Detroit Red Wings, had agreed to join the Buffalo Sabres on a professional tryout contract (PTO).

A trio of other National Hockey League teams were also in the mix for Filip Zadina as well, those being the Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Just hours after the report from Denik Sport, Zadina's agent Darren Ferris denied that his client was signing in Buffalo, saying that he's working on a deal with another team. Ferris didn't say whether that team was another one in the National Hockey League or one in Europe, but it appears we have our answer now.

In a social media post on Monday, HC Davos, who play in the highest division in Switzerland, National League, announced that they've agreed to terms on a two-year contract with Filip Zadina.

Note: the following is translated from German.

"Despite his young age, Filip brings a lot of experience and offensive qualities. He is still very young and has not yet reached his full potential. Filip will be one of seven foreign players in the squad. This will give the coaching staff more options to put the best team on the ice in every game." HC Davos General Manager Jan Alston said.

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

We'll have to wait and see if Filip Zadina decides to return to North America and the National Hockey League when his contract concludes with HC Davos in the summer of 2026. If he's able to perform well in National League, which is one of the best leagues in Europe, then there's no doubt he'll receive at least a few offers from NHL teams.