LATEST | Nikita Zadorov takes shot at NHL superstars Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews

Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov has had previous stints with the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames. He's played with elite talent, such as Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Patrick Kane, and Matthew Tkachuk.

A veteran of over 600 NHL games, Zadorov set a career-high in goals (14) and points (21) last season with Calgary before being dealt to the Canucks partway into this season. Having played with many elite hockey players, Zadorov has now stated who he believes to be the best player in the world — and it's the league's current point leader, Nathan MacKinnon.

MacKinnon has a whopping 113 points so far, on 41 goals (tied for fourth in the NHL) and 72 assists (second behind Connor McDavid). He recently surpassed his previous career-high of 111 points, set in 2022-23.




The determining factor for Zadorov in separating the Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native from the rest of the best (such as McDavid, Auston Matthews, and fellow Cole Harbour native Sidney Crosby) is his ability to win. The Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022, where MacKinnon recorded 24 points in 20 games.

Zadorov makes this statement ahead of Vancouver's Wednesday night matchup with MacKinnon and the Avalanche.