Filip Zadina hits rock-bottom: Sheds light on one of the biggest draft mistakes ever

Despite a solid 2023/24 campaign with the San Jose Sharks-where he tallied 13 goals and 23 points in 72 games-Zadina has had to settle for a professional tryout (PTO) with the Buffalo Sabres instead of securing a significant deal in free agency.

Standing at 6-foot-0 and only 24 years old, Zadina still possesses the tools to succeed in the NHL. With the Sabres, he now has an opportunity to join a rising team and potentially earn a more substantial contract. However, after 262 NHL games, he has only surpassed the 20-point mark twice since entering the league in 2018/19. His future in the NHL remains uncertain, as is whether he can finally realize his potential.

Adding to the sting of Zadina's struggles is that the Detroit Red Wings, who selected him sixth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, passed on drafting Quinn Hughes. Hughes, the latest Norris Trophy winner, has quickly become one of the league's premier defensemen with the Vancouver Canucks, deciding to draft Zadina instead of Hughes look even worse in hindsight. While Zadina still has a chance to turn things around, the Red Wings' decision to pass on Hughes is a glaring reminder of what could have been.

Credit: House of Hockey