Maple Leafs Rejected by Free Agent to Sign With Team in Europe
After flirting with the Buffalo Sabres, getting linked to the Colorado Avalanche, the Montreal Canadiens, and strongly to the Toronto Maple Leafs, former 2018 NHL draft No. 6 pick Filip Zadina has made a surprising decision about where he’ll play next season.
Once a promising player with an untapped potential he never reached in the NHL, Zadina has rejected an offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs, opting instead to continue his career in Europe.
Zadina, recently linked with the Leafs as part of their chase for a left-wing addition, announced his decision via a video on HC Davos’ social media. The club confirmed the signing on X on September 2.
“HC Davos is pleased to announce the signing of Czech striker Filip Zadina,” the club wrote in an official statement. “The talented attacker signs a two-year contract with HCD, strengthening HC Davos’ offense for the coming season.”
Toronto was reported as one of three NHL teams eager to secure Zadina’s services, along with the Habs and the Avs.
The Leafs saw Zadina as a potential asset who could bring speed, skill, and scoring depth to their lineup as a potential addition to their regular-season roster for the 2024-25 campaign.
However, just as discussions with Toronto and other teams were intensifying, Zadina chose to step away from the NHL and sign a two-year contract with HC Davos in Switzerland.
At just 24 years old, Zadina’s decision to leave the NHL for the Swiss league is definitely a bold gamble on his part. After failing to meet the sky-high expectations he entered the NHL with, Zadina will look to reignite his career away from the United States spotlight trying to rebuild his cache in Europe.
Despite his potential, Zadina has struggled to fully realize his talents, most recently scoring 13 goals and adding 10 assists in 72 games with the San Jose Sharks during the 2023-24 season.
