Top-six goal-scoring winger.

May 2020 – Well, Zadina has arrived. 15 points in 28 games was a huge success for both Zadina and the Wings. Despite seeing limited exposure to top centre Larkin, he still was able to provide an offensive push on a second line mostly centred by Filppula. He proved his worth in limited powerplay time and one can only think he is primed for a huge lift in 2020-21. Ashley Glover

March 2019 – After spending the bulk of the season developing in Grand Rapids, Zadina finally got a call up to the Red Wings in late February. The young sniper has looked good so far playing for a rebuilding squad while putting up a couple of power play points. Zadina still projects a top line scoring winger and will be a mainstay on the Detroit power play for years to come. MarkHillier

December 2018 – At sixth overall in the 2018 draft, Zadina is the Detroit Red Wings highest pick since Keith Primeau at number three in 1990. Zadina himself was pegged to go as high as number three in this draft. Zadina instantly becomes Detroit’s best fantasy prospect and a must-own in any keeper league. Detroit’s director of amateur scouting, Tyler Wright said, “Zadina at six for us was a little bit of a shock… but obviously, when Zadina fell to us there wasn’t much dialogue”. Zadina led all rookies in the QMJHL last season with 82 points in 57 games and won the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s best professional prospect. His first season as a professional this year in the AHL playing against men has been a transitional learning experience so far and he will require some more time to percolate. However, Zadina is an elite talent and sniper with character and determination. Playing for his native Czech Republic national junior team again this year, Zadina will look to recapture the form that had him tied for second in the tournament for goals in last year’s tournament. Mark Hillier

January 2018 – Zadina has been using marquee scouting opportunities to spring up the draft boards of many major services. His performance for the Czechs at the World Junior Championships – seven goals and eight points in seven contests, had scouts buzzing and he’s followed that up with a great showing at the most recent Top Prospects game and with Halifax of the QMJHL, where he sits fifth in points-per-game with 1.39. The number two spot in this draft is up for grabs and he’s making a serious push for it. Cam Robinson

November 2017 – Filip Zadina has been a prominent 2018 Draft prospect for a number of years as having a late birthday has put him ahead on the draft radar with strong international tournament performances at the U-18 and Ivan Hlinka already. Fun fact, Zadina has been drafted twice in the CHL Import Draft, in 2016 by the Vancouver Giants and again in 2017 by the Halifax Mooseheads. Zadina decided to follow former elite import prospects Timo Meier and Nico Hischier to play his draft year in Halifax. Early returns in his rookie season in the QMJHL have been outstanding as he has 18 goals and 35 points in his first 25 games. Zadina has been playing against older competition and excelling since he was 16-years-old and should be ready to challenge for an NHL job next year. Zadina has good size and power to his game. He is very strong on his skates and can use his strength to win puck battles and protect the puck, and power the puck through to the net. Zadina is a great goal scorer and has an excellent shot with a wide array of shooting options as he has a heavy hard slap shot, a quick and accurate wrist shot and an excellent snap and back hand and one-timer as well. His play making decisions could improve as he has a tendency to hold onto the puck too long at times which can lead to missed opportunities or turnovers. His puck control ability is also excellent and he competes very hard and consistently as well. – Peter Harling