Zakhar Bardakov

Zakhar Romanovich Bardakov (Захар Романович Бардаков; born 24 February 2001) is a Russian professional ice hockey winger for SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected in the seventh round, 203rd overall, by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career
Bardakov played two seasons in the Junior Hockey League (MHL) from 2018 to 2020, leading the league in penalty minutes (PIM) both seasons. Eligible for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, he was not selected that year nor the next.

Bardakov spent a majority of the 2020–21 season in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with HC Vityaz, debuting as the fourth line center on opening night, against Ak Bars Kazan. After recording eight goals and three assists for 11 points in 44 games, while reducing his penalty minutes to under one minute per night, Bardakov was drafted in the seventh round, 203rd overall, in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.

In June 2021, Bardakov was traded by Vityaz to SKA Saint Petersburg. In the 2021–22 season, Bardakov played just 19 games for his new club, recording one goal and two assists for three points.

Bardakov's penchant for taking penalties returned in the 2022–23 season, as his 45 PIM in 42 games were the most in his KHL career. He spent more time per game killing penalties than serving them, however, as he logged 2:40 of shorthanded time on ice per game. He also reached KHL career-best scoring marks, at six goals and 18 points.

On 1 March 2024, Bardakov's NHL rights were traded along with a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Kurtis MacDermid.

Personal life
Bardakov and his wife, Daria, have a daughter Maya.