Avalanche sign Zadorov to 2-year deal worth reported $4.3M

The Colorado Avalanche signed restricted free-agent defenseman Nikita Zadorov to a two-year contract.

The deal is worth $2.15 million per season, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports.

"Zadorov is a big, young, physical defenseman who was starting to emerge as one of our top D before his injury last season," said president and general manager Joe Sakic. "He's an important part of our blue line and we expect him to log big minutes this year. We are excited to have him under contract."

Acquired from the Buffalo Sabres as part of the Ryan O'Reilly trade, Zadorov is seen as a big building block for last season's last-place team, and will be given every opportunity to help the Avalanche while improving his stock on a bridge-type contract.

The 22-year-old has appeared in 145 NHL games since being drafted 16th overall in 2013, registering four goals and 24 assists. He was limited to 56 appearances in 2016-17 due to a season-ending ankle injury suffered in a February practice.

Zadorov didn't begin training camp with the team Thursday as the sides continued to negotiate.

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