Moments ago, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the final edition of the saga involving Zadina and the Red Wings, with both parties opting to terminate the contract.
After being placed on waivers yesterday and clearing, the Red Wings and Zadina had the option to split unconditionally. Zadina will forfeit $4.56M for the final two years of his contract and become a free agent - and the Red Wings will be free of any salary cap penalties.
Zadina is placing a large bet on himself in securing another NHL opportunity. After beginning his career as the sixth overall pick of the Red Wings in 2018 and appearing in the NHL next season, Zadina's play fell largely short of expectations. Only scoring 68 points in 190 games in his tenure with the Wings, the offensive production never materialized to this point in his career.
NHL insider Chris Johnston has reported that Zadina is already receiving interest from other teams. Perhaps in a different setting and with top-six minutes, another team could release the untapped potential of such a talented player.
