Expectations surrounding Zakhar Bardakov are on the rise as the Avalanche prepare for the upcoming season. The Avalanche's general manager has expressed enthusiasm about Bardakov's potential, noting his impressive performance in the KHL, where he nearly doubled his career-high points tally last season. This has led to speculation about whether he can earn a spot on the NHL roster, especially as the team looks to solidify its depth in the bottom six.

With several roster spots available, competition during training camp is expected to be fierce. Bardakov's playing style is compared to that of Miles Wood, highlighting his ability to create chaos on the ice. As the Avalanche navigate their roster decisions, Bardakov's performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given the potential for him to leapfrog other contenders from the Eagles.