Nikita Zadorov's home country bans him from returning
The invasion of Ukraine has left many Russian NHLers in a tricky spot, as Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov revealed he cannot return home following his criticism of the war.
Nikita Zadorov is a dominating presence in the NHL. Aside from his intimidating frame at 6'6" and nearly 250 pounds, the appropriately named Big Z produced in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs and stole the hearts of many fans.
Canucks Finish off the Oilers 5-4 #StanleyCup
#Canucks
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Zadorov probably made his biggest impact, however, after becoming the first Russian player NHLer to speak out against Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Upon hearing of the incursion, the Vancouver Canuck posted called for an end to the war on social media.
After expressing his distaste for his home country's president and his policies, the defenseman criticized the carelessness of many still living in Russia. Zadorov pointed out their privilege and hypocrisy in an interview he held last year.
Unfortunately, courageous actions are often met with harsh consequences. Nikita Zadorov has revealed that in addition to staying away from home since the start of the war, he has no choice but not to return now. Due to verbalizing disgust for Ptuin's incursion, the player is effectively barred from his country.
Zadorov criticized Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine during an interview last summer.
"I'd be in Siberia the next day,'
Zadorov said last week."
Zadorov will continue spending his summers in Miami until further notice, as the war in Ukraine continues. Hopefully, his courage to speak out will only make life better for him as he awaits the knowledge of his future with the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL.
Source - Blade of Steel
Free agent Nikita Zadorov banned from returning to his home country
| POLL | ||
JUIN 2 | 124 ANSWERS Nikita Zadorov‘s home country bans him from returning Will the Vancouver Canucks extend Nikita Zadorov's contract? | ||
| Yes | 67 | 54 % |
| No | 57 | 46 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Zachary Werenski | 2 | 3 | 5 | |
| Sean Monahan | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Jesper Bratt | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Jack Hughes | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Nikita Kucherov | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Kent Johnson | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Mitchell Chaffee | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Anthony Cirelli | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Conor Geekie | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brandon Hagel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Stefan Noesen | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Dmitry Voronkov | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Ivan Barbashev | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Noah Hanifin | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Kirill Marchenko | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Cole Sillinger | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Cam Atkinson | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Drake Batherson | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jonatan Berggren | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Matthew Boldy | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 19 | 16 | 3 | - | 32 | |
Hurricanes | 18 | 14 | 4 | - | 28 | |
Capitals | 18 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 27 | |
Wild | 18 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 27 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Devils | 21 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 17 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 19 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 25 | |
Stars | 18 | 12 | 6 | - | 24 | |
Golden Knights | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 24 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||