Report: Avalanche lose more depth, forward goes to Russia

Zakhar Bardakov is going back to Russia after 60 games in the Colorado Avalanche lineup in 2025-26, according to PuckPedia.com.

The depth forward is expected to sign with the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg, the same club where he made his name before crossing the Atlantic.

Bardakov, 25, was a restricted free agent after his one-year, entry-level deal expired. His signing rights stay with Colorado, but the move means the Avs are losing another body up front.

It’s the second hit to the depth chart in consecutive days. Colorado shipped Ross Colton to Nashville on Tuesday for two third-round picks and goalie Magnus Chrona in what looked like a salary dump from team president and acting GM Joe Sakic.

Bardakov’s exit makes sense on paper. He spent most of his rookie year on the fourth line, finishing with one goal and 10 points while averaging just 7:17 of ice time. He did not play in the postseason. Behind Colorado’s loaded top six, there wasn’t a clear path to more minutes.

In Russia, he’ll get more time on the ice.

Bardakov broke out in 2024-25 with SKA, posting 17 goals and 35 points in 53 games with a plus-20 rating. That production earned him a look in the NHL, and a rash of Avalanche injuries opened the door.

The 6-foot-2 center was originally a seventh-round pick (203rd overall) of the New Jersey Devils in 2021. The Devils traded his signing rights to Colorado in 2024 for Kurtis MacDermid.

Now he heads back to his motherland, and the Avs will be looking for depth to fill out their roster.