Filip Zadina Finds His Stride in Switzerland with HC Davos
Filip Zadina’s professional hockey career has taken an unexpected but promising turn in Switzerland, where he has finally unlocked his full potential with HC Davos. Once considered a highly touted prospect, Zadina struggled to meet expectations in the NHL, but now, he has emerged as a standout player in the Swiss National League.
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A Highly Anticipated NHL Prospect That Never Panned Out
Drafted 6th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Draft, Zadina was initially expected to be a top-tier goal scorer in the league. His ability to find the net and generate offense was what made him such an appealing pick for Detroit. However, despite numerous opportunities with both the Red Wings and the San Jose Sharks, he was never able to fully develop into a star player at the NHL level.
For reasons that remain unclear, Zadina could not translate his skill set into consistent NHL success. Whether it was coaching decisions, injuries, or difficulty adjusting to the league’s pace, he never quite lived up to the expectations that came with being a top-10 draft pick.
However, in Switzerland, things have changed dramatically for him.
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A Fresh Start in Europe
After leaving the NHL, Zadina signed a two-year contract with HC Davos in September. The announcement was met with enthusiasm, as the team saw potential in the forward despite his struggles in North America. The club proudly welcomed him, stating:
“Here we go! Willkomma bi ünsch, FILIP ZADINA!”
Since joining Davos, Zadina has looked like an entirely different player. This season, he has been one of the team’s most valuable offensive contributors, posting:
34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) in 43 regular-season games
66 penalty minutes (PIMs)
5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) in a four-game playoff sweep of Zug
This resurgence has proven that Zadina still has elite scoring ability, even if it wasn’t fully realized during his NHL tenure.
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Why Didn’t It Work in the NHL?
The mystery surrounding why Zadina failed in the NHL remains a topic of discussion. The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks both provided him with chances, but he simply never delivered the results expected of a high draft pick.
During his six seasons in the NHL, Zadina played a total of 262 games, recording 91 points (41 goals, 50 assists). These numbers fell far short of expectations for a player selected in the top 10 of his draft class.
Looking back, some critics argue that Detroit’s former general manager, Ken Holland, made a critical mistake selecting Zadina over other promising prospects. Many believe the team should have picked Evan Bouchard, who has developed into a strong defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers.
While some players struggle in one league but excel in another, Zadina’s transformation in Switzerland suggests that his game may simply be better suited for European hockey.
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Zadina Joins a List of Former Red Wings Excelling in Switzerland
Zadina isn’t the only former Detroit Red Wings player who has found greater success abroad. Several ex-Red Wings draft picks have made major impacts in Switzerland after failing to establish themselves in the NHL, including:
Dominik Kubalík – Led the Swiss League in goals this season with 27
Austin Czarnik – Won the Swiss National League scoring title, tallying 56 points in 49 games
These performances reinforce the idea that not every player is built for the NHL, but that doesn’t mean they lack talent. Some players thrive in different environments, and Zadina’s resurgence is proof that a fresh start can make all the difference.
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Could Zadina Return to the NHL?
Now that Zadina has found his rhythm, some fans might wonder if he could make a return to the NHL in the future. While his current focus is on building his legacy in Switzerland, success in European leagues has helped some players earn another shot in North America.
At just 25 years old, Zadina still has time to revive his NHL career if a team is willing to take another chance on him. However, for now, he seems to have embraced his new role in Switzerland, proving that he still possesses the scoring ability that once made him a top draft pick.
Whether or not he ever plays in the NHL again, one thing is clear: Filip Zadina has finally found the success he always wanted—just not in the league most expected.
