DENVER — When Zakhar Bardakov first arrived in Denver for optional skates ahead of Colorado Avalanche training camp, his difficulties in defensive drills were hard to miss. But over the past few months, the Russian forward has transformed that former liability into one of his emerging strengths — progress significant enough to draw the notice of his captain, Gabe Landeskog.

After Colorado’s 3–1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night, a game that opened at a sluggish pace, Bardakov spent the evening flying around the ice, forechecking as if everything were at stake. Afterward, The Hockey News asked captain Gabe Landeskog to evaluate how far the forward has come since first arriving in North America from Russia.

"He's a really good skater, a powerful guy, and he continues to adapt to this game here," Landeskog said. "I thought he's done a great job. Training camp, he (earned) that spot, continues to work well and work hard and it's not easy for anybody."

Why Bardakov’s Value Goes Far Beyond The Box Score

People often place too much emphasis on numbers. Statistics are undeniably important and an integral part of the game, but that focus can sometimes obscure the contributions of players who are not putting up MacKinnon-level totals every night. Bardakov is the kind of skater who is constantly working to get to the play, committed to checking on both sides of the puck, and relentless in pressuring opponents into mistakes that create opportunities for his teammates. Landeskog was particularly impressed with how he performed against the Canucks.

"Tonight, he was really strong," he continued. "It was one of his stronger games in a while, and he continues to bring a lot of energy. He's a physical guy, a strong guy. He continues to put himself in good spots to put pucks at the net and create offense."

🗣️ Zakhar Bardakov

We caught up with Bardakov in his native-language today to get a quick update on how he's feeling now more than 20 games into his Rookie Season!#GoAvsGo | Powered By: https://t.co/O7RJKwUgbNpic.twitter.com/xVPyFQIRGZ

— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports) November 25, 2025

Bardakov has been on Colorado’s radar for an NHL contract ever since he arrived as the return for Kurtis MacDermid in the 2024 trade-deadline deal with the New Jersey Devils. The former 2021 seventh-round pick then delivered the strongest season of his career with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, recording 17 goals and 35 points over 53 games. That performance earned him a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2025–26 season, which he signed in April.

FIRST NHL GOAL FOR ZAKHAR BARDAKOV 🚨

📺: Frozen Frenzy Whiparound coverage on @ESPNPluspic.twitter.com/hOl2auLlDO

— NHL (@NHL) October 29, 2025

Bardakov scored his first NHL goal on October 28 in an 8–4 Avalanche win over the New Jersey Devils at Ball Arena, on a night when Victor Olofsson recorded his first career hat trick and a career-high five points.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

LAS VEGAS -- In his first start in nearly two years, it was a game full of FIRSTS for Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart, as he returned to the net Tuesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hart, one of five 2018 Canada world junior hockey players acquitted of sexual assault in July, made 27 saves in the 4-3 shootout win over the Blackhawks.

Here are some notable FIRSTS for the 27-year-old after his Golden Knights debut:

FIRST Warmups - Hart led the Golden Knights onto the ice for warmups, and for the fans who made their way to the glass, he was greeted by cheers from Vegas' adoring fans. Several female fans were seen holding signs supportive of Hart. A few others emitted disdain.

FIRST Entrance and Introduction - With fans settled into the seats, and the massive golden helmet the Knights skate through resting on the ice, Hart once again led the Knights onto the ice, this time for real, with the lights out, the John Wick theme blaring and the crowd buzzing. As the starting lineup was announced, the anticipation grew for the final name, and as public address announcer Bruce Cusick announced Hart, the fans offered a vibrant roar - not the most electric - but certainly 99% in favor of the newest Knight.

FIRST Lead - Hart got his first lead to work when forward Ivan Barbashev scored 27 seconds into the game, a shot that looked as if he was passing into the slot, but instead deflected off Chicago defenseman Wyatt Kaiser's skate.

FIRST Goal Allowed - Hart's lead wouldn't last, as Oliver Moore tied the game for the Blackhawks 56 seconds later when he gathered a pass from across the ice and fired a dart of a wrist shot from the top of the right circle to tie the game, 1-1.

FIRST Breakaway Save - Hart came up big in the first period when he faced his first breakaway and stymied Chicago's veteran center Ryan Donato.

FIRST Penalty Kill - It only took six minutes, but the Golden Knights found themselves on the penalty kill with a little more than 14 minutes left in the first period. Though Hart didn't face any shots during the kill, it was successful for his first time defending the net while his team skated shorthanded.

FIRST Period - Hart made seven saves on the eight shots in the opening period. Hart said afterward that he settled in after allowing Moore's wicked shot into the net. After all, he hadn't been in an NHL game since Jan. 20, 2024.

FIRST Penalty - With 13:17 left in the second period, and the Golden Knights on a power play, Hart tripped Ilya Mikheyev, who was breaking in looking for a short-hander. Anyone with Hart catching a 2-minute minor in his debut on a prop bet was a big winner.

FIRST Big Mistake - As athletic as Hart might be, and while he may think his quick reflexes allow him to do things other goalies cannot, it wasn't wise in the least bit to leave his net with hopes of poking the puck away with Tyler Bertuzzi storming in. Hart swiped at the puck and nailed Bertuzzi, who then floated it over Hart and into the net.

FIRST Overtime - Hart was at his best during these five minutes, as he stopped all six shots he faced, including a shift in which teammate Shea Theodore's broke the blade of his stick, which theoretically gave the Blackhawks a 3-on-2 until the Golden Knights were able to get fresh life on the ice.

FIRST Shootout - Chicago started, and Hart's save on Teuvo Teravainen was rewarded at the other end with a Pavel Dorofeyev goal. Next up for Chicago was Connor Bedard, and there aren't many past or present goalie greats who were stopping the shot Hart faced. At the other end, Jack Eichel was stuffed by Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight, keeping it 1-1 in the shootout. For a third time in the game, Hart made a huge save on Donato, but Knight stopped Marner. Hart then stopped Frank Nazar and seconds later, it was Theodore giving Hart his ...

FIRST Win - After 682 days, Hart is victorious and mobbed by his teammates as he celebrates a victory in his first game back and first as a Knight.

PHOTO CAPTION: Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) shoots wide of Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) during a shootout at T-Mobile Arena.

LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights' locker room had a bit more zest after Tuesday's 4-3 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Moments after Shea Theodore used his trademark forehand-to-backhand move for the game-winner in the shootout, a sudden roar could be heard from behind closed doors in the hallway outside Vegas' locker room, and it was quite apparent why.

After a brilliant six-save overtime, goaltender Carter Hart stopped two of the three shots he faced in the shootout and picked up his first win as a Golden Knight, in his first game back in the NHL.

"I think for him, obviously, this was a unique situation, we can all agree with that," Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. "And a new member of our team, it was like (goaltender) Carl's (Lindbom). It was a big celebration the other night when Carl got his first win, right? So, different thing, but it's more than one, let's put it that way."

The Golden Knights snapped a seven-game losing skid in overtime, grabbing a much-needed win before their longest road trip to date, an upcoming five-game jaunt to New Jersey, Manhattan, Long Island, Philadelphia and Columbus.

Ivan Barbashev, Ben Hutton and Braeden Bowman scored for the Golden Knights in regulation, while Hart made 27 saves.

Oliver Moore, Tyler Bertuzzi and Connor Bedard notched Chicago's regulation goals and netminder Spencer Knight stopped 25 shots.

KEY MOMENT: Bowman's goal with 2:28 left in the game tied the game and breathed new life into the Knights and an always energetic crowd inside T-Mobile. After Theodore's shot went off Knight's right pad, Bowman's initial backhand was also stuffed. But his quick reaction to follow with another backhand to ricochet the puck off the top of Knight's pad and into the net, sending the announced crowd of 17,944 into a frenzy.

KEY STAT: 5-for-5 ... Vegas' penalty kill was outstanding, stopping Chicago on all five power-play attempts. Whether it was limiting the Blackhawks' top options - Bedard to Bertuzzi backdoor was off the table - or Hart making several big saves, the Golden Knights' perfect night on the penalty kill was a difference maker.

WHAT A KNIGHT: It has to be Hart. After stopping 21 of the 24 shots he faced in regulation, the 27-year-old was brilliant in overtime, seemingly catching his second win in the nick of time to keep the Blackhawks out of his net. Hart stopped all six shots he faced in overtime, and then two of the three in the shootout (not even Martin Brodeur was stopping Bedard's shootout attempt). Though the first goal he allowed in regulation was Chicago's second shot, Hart settled in nicely to keep the Knights in the game.

"I think, first one maybe just, was a little bit excited and maybe over committed on the first guy coming into the zone," Hart said. "But, I mean, it happens, and it's just good to be back playing. It's a process. It's gonna get better and better each time.

"After that (first goal), just kind of settled in a little bit, and just got back to playing my game, and the guys did a really good job of battling around the net front, tying up sticks, and got some huge blocks in the game. And it's a big two points."

UP NEXT: The Golden Knights open a five-game road trip at New Jersey on Friday

PHOTO CAPTION: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at T-Mobile Arena.

Looking back on it, the Edmonton Oilers were so close.

That it is, until they traded it away.

Jesper Wallstedt made 33 saves Tuesday night. He stopped every shot the Oilers threw at him. He earned his fourth shutout in 10 games. He improved to 8-0-2 with a .938 save percentage and 1.93 goals-against average. He beat Edmonton 1-0 in their own building.

And of course, everyone in Oil Country is thinking the same thing: he could have been ours.

Should fans and media fixate on this? Probably not. It was a different general manager—Ken Holland, not Stan Bowman—who made the call in 2021 to trade the 20th pick to Minnesota for the 22nd and 90th picks. It’s not fair to hang current management for decisions made by the previous regime.

But this is Edmonton. One of the best markets in the NHL with ongoing goaltending issues that have defined the better part of two decades. Of course it’s going to come up. Of course watching Wallstedt dominate is going to sting.

“I’ve heard about it way too much. I’m drafted by Minnesota. I play here. I love it here,” Wallstedt said, addressing the noise around the draft decision.

"Just Wasn't Our Night": Frustrated Oilers Try To Take Positives From Loss To WildOilers dominated play and chances but couldn't solve a hot goalie, leaving them with a frustrating, narrow defeat at home to the Minnesota Wild.

He’s right to brush it off. He’s a Minnesota Wild. He’s thriving there. The what-ifs aren’t his problem—they’re Edmonton’s.

But what a reminder Tuesday night was of what the Oilers passed on. Wallstedt was named NHL rookie of the month for November earlier in the day, posting a 6-0-0 record with a 1.14 GAA, .967 save percentage, and three shutouts in six games. Then he went out and shut down McDavid, Draisaitl, and company.

But way back when, Wallstedt was drafted 20th overall in 2021 after Edmonton traded the selection to Minnesota and dropped two spots for Xavier Bourgault, who was later traded to Ottawa and is now playing in the AHL for the Belleville Senators. With the 90th pick, Edmonton drafted defenseman Luca Munzenberger, who they declined to sign and has since returned to Germany.

Oilers vs. Wild: Pre-Game Stats11-10-5 | 27 PTS

Neither player is in the organization anymore. Wallstedt is leading the NHL in save percentage and shutouts.

Still, in 2021, the Oilers had goaltending prospects—Stuart Skinner, Olivier Rodrigue, and Ilya Konovalov. The thinking was that forwards develop faster than goalies, and Wallstedt would take years to arrive. Why wait when you could add offence now?

Konovalov played just 17 games in North America before returning to Russia. Rodrigue joined him in the KHL this offseason. That leaves Skinner and his .885 save percentage this season.

Meanwhile, Wallstedt is 23 years old, on an entry-level contract, and looks like a franchise goaltender.

Ex-Oilers Forward Heating Up With New Team Former Oilers forward Connor Brown is continuing to make an impact with the Devils.

“I have mixed memories about Edmonton,” Wallstedt said. “Our first World Juniors was the bubble, and I didn’t play much. And second, we were in Red Deer, and that got canceled, and then we had a pretty good last one and got a bronze medal. So, mixed feelings, but this definitely helped a little bit.”

Beating the Oilers probably did help, even if he's since long forgotten about the draft.

“He’s played in different situations and against different teams, first time going through it,” began Minnesota head coach John Hynes. “(He’s got) the demeanour that you want, even though he’s young.

"He’s confident in his abilities and his preparation. And I think he believes in how he’s playing, and that’s what you need. Both guys want the net, which is good for us. But him being a young guy, that (brings) a little bit of that personality, swagger and mindset that you need to be a good goalie in this league.”

Digging Deep On Jordan BinningtonJordan Binnington to Edmonton isn’t just a rumor anymore—it’s gaining traction. Nick Kypreos reported the Oilers are showing real interest in the Blues goaltender, with Stuart Skinner potentially heading the other way. After watching their goalies surrender eight goals to Dallas, you can understand why Stan Bowman is making calls.

Wallstedt stopped Zach Hyman on a backhand in the second period. He denied Draisaitl on a 3-on-2. McDavid didn’t register his first shot until 6:43 left in the game, and Wallstedt stopped that, too. Every chance, every shot, every opportunity—Wallstedt was there.

The Wild have won 12 of their last 16 games against the Oilers, and Wallstedt is a big reason why Minnesota looks like they’ll continue this trend for years to come.

The frustrating part for Edmonton isn’t just that Wallstedt is good. It’s that he’s exactly what they need. Young, cost-controlled, confident, and capable of stealing games. The kind of goaltender great teams are built around. The kind of player you don’t pass on when he falls into your lap.

Former Oiler At Contract Standstill With St. Louis BluesPhilip Broberg is a top player for St. Louis, but contract talks haven't begun. The Blues are betting big on the former Oiler, who's proving them right.

But they did. And now he’s beating them in their own building while their goaltending situation remains the biggest question mark.

Should this decision in 2021 define the Oilers now? No. Should fans spend every day lamenting a decision made by the previous GM? Probably not. But when your goaltending is .860 through 25 games—the lowest since the team’s first NHL season in 1979-80—and the guy you passed on is shutting you out at home, it’s hard not to think about what could have been.

Wallstedt is a Minnesota Wild. He loves it there. He’s building something special. Good for him. Good for Minnesota for recognizing the opportunity and seizing it.

But for Edmonton, Tuesday night was a painful reminder that sometimes the player you don’t draft haunts you more than the ones you do. And in a city desperate for goaltending, that’s going to sting for a long time.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.