User:SomeHockeyProfiles/Alexei Zadornov

Alexei Zadornov (Russian: Алеxеи Задорнов) is a Russian ice hockey player, currently playing with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. Zadornov had an illustrious National Hockey League career, playing 20 seasons for four teams and capturing seven Stanley Cups. He did not have a season where he did not post 50 goals and 100 points, his longevity being a hallmark of his career.

Born in Moscow, Soviet Union, Zadornov quickly developed a passion for hockey. His skill was noted by many of his coaches, who also highlighted his strength. Even at an early age, Zadornov possessed a large, athletic body that allowed him to put a big hit on, something that would help him in his professional hockey career. He was noted for his quick, extremely hard shot, and he could score from virtually anywhere. Zadornov was regarded as a mix between a power forward and a sniper, but his prediction skills were compared to Wayne Gretzky and he could skate at a torrid pace.

Zadornov was already playing in a North American league at the time of his draft, rare among Russian prospects in that era. He was with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, also known as the WHL. He had already won two Memorial Cups with the team and was ranked as the best North American skater. Teams feared he would leave for the Soviet Union, but the Pittsburgh Penguins were willing to take a chance on him with the third overall pick from the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.

Early years
Zadornov is of both Russian and Polish descent, his father coming from the former and his mother the latter. He was born in Moscow on July 2nd, 1970, and played youth hockey in his home country for twelve years. His family decided to move to Canada, as they felt it would be better for Zadornov's development (he was already highly touted) and they went to Medicine Hat, Alberta, which would coincidentally be the home of Zadornov's minor league team, the Tigers.

In 1986-87, Zadornov would start playing for the Tigers. He played the full 72 games in that season, recording 32 goals and 40 assists for exactly a point-per-game. He had 206 hits in that season alone, beginning to highlight his physicality. He as well played 20 games in the playoffs, adding 8 goals and 12 assists plus 64 hits. The Tigers also won the Memorial Cup that year, with Zadornov's 5 games, 3 goals and 4 assists being the leading mark. In the next year of 1987-1988, Zadornov would once again play 72 games but this time add 92 goals and 118 assists for a 210-point season. Due to this, he would become a top-quality prospect and was expected to be selected in the top five, if not three. In the 16 games of the playoffs, Zadornov would put up 14 goals and 22 assists, plus 86 hits.

The 1988 Memorial Cup was a large part of Zadornov's high draft selection. He led the league in points by 50 during the WHL season, but all eyes were on him to see if he could compete well. He would play the full 5 games, a testament to his somewhat ironman streak, and notch 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists), to silence his critics.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Zadornov's high draft selection, third overall, made him the new source of hype in Pittsburgh. Rather than spend a year in the WHL to continue seasoning, management had him participate in his first NHL game on October 7, 1988. Much like teammate Mario Lemieux, Zadornov scored on his first shot of his first shift, in his first NHL game. He also added an assist. Considered a front-runner for the Calder Trophy, Zadornov indeed won it and led the league in points with an amazing 232. This would end up being Zadornov's only season with more than 200 points for the next seven years.