Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nikita Zadorov

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 20, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nikita Zadorov made an impact.

Nikita Zadorov is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Boston Bruins in the NHL. He was drafted in the first round (16th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres during the 2013 NHL entry draft. Zadorov is known for his physical play and defensive capabilities on the ice.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Played for Krasnaya Armiya

In the 2011 season, Nikita Zadorov played in the top minor hockey level for his hometown team in Moscow, Krasnaya Armiya, and scored 6 points in 42 games.

2012: Major junior career in OHL

In 2012, Nikita Zadorov began his major junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights.

2012: Selected in KHL Junior Draft

In 2012, Nikita Zadorov was selected by CSKA Moscow in the first round, fourth overall, of the 2012 KHL Junior Draft. He was also selected ninth overall by the London Knights in the 2012 CHL Import Draft.

September 2013: Signed with the Buffalo Sabres

On 26 September 2013, Nikita Zadorov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres after attending rookie and NHL training camps.

2013: OHL Championship and NHL Draft

In 2013, Nikita Zadorov helped the London Knights win the OHL championship. He was also selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2013 NHL entry draft.

December 2014: First multi-point game and Overtime Winner

On 13 December 2014, Nikita Zadorov had his first multi-point game and scored his first overtime marker in a 4–3 victory over the Florida Panthers. He also became the youngest Sabres defenceman to score an overtime winner.

June 2015: Traded to the Colorado Avalanche

On 26 June 2015, Nikita Zadorov was traded by the Buffalo Sabres to the Colorado Avalanche along with Mikhail Grigorenko, J. T. Compher, and a draft pick in exchange for Ryan O'Reilly and Jamie McGinn.

2016: Avalanche Lineup

In 2016, Nikita Zadorov made the Avalanche's lineup out of training camp and remained on their roster for the entirety of the 2016–17 season.

2018: Signed a contract extension with Avalanche

In 2018, the Avalanche re-signed Nikita Zadorov to a one-year, $3.2 million contract after he was expected to become a restricted free agent.

May 2019: Senior International Debut

On 11 May 2019, Nikita Zadorov made his senior international debut for the Russian squad at the 2019 IIHF World Championships held in Bratislava, Slovakia.

October 2020: Traded to the Chicago Blackhawks

On 10 October 2020, Nikita Zadorov was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks along with Anton Lindholm in exchange for Brandon Saad and Dennis Gilbert.

October 2020: Qualifying Offer by the Avalanche

On 8 October 2020, Nikita Zadorov, as a restricted free agent, was tendered a qualifying offer by the Avalanche.

July 2021: Negotiation rights traded to Calgary Flames

On 28 July 2021, the negotiation rights for Nikita Zadorov were traded to the Calgary Flames in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick.

2022: Calgary Flames acquired 3rd round pick

In 2022, Calgary Flames acquired 3rd round pick from Calgary Flames in exchange for the negotiation rights for Nikita Zadorov.

April 2023: First NHL Hat-Trick

On 12 April 2023, Nikita Zadorov recorded his first career NHL hat-trick in a 3–1 win over the San Jose Sharks.

November 2023: Trade Request

In November 2023, Nikita Zadorov requested a trade from the Calgary Flames following a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

November 2023: Traded to the Vancouver Canucks

On 30 November 2023, Nikita Zadorov was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for draft picks.

March 2024: Achieved Gordie Howe Hat Trick

On 13 March 2024, Nikita Zadorov achieved a Gordie Howe hat trick in a game against the Colorado Avalanche, scoring a goal, an assist, and getting into a fight.