Detroit Red Wings: Filip Zadina has been more than serviceable in return

The Detroit Red Wings are on a roll as they keep rolling through the second half of the season. Since Filip Zadina returned to the ice, the Red Wings have gone undefeated. Not to say he was a godsend or anything… but…

Jokes aside, the Detroit Red Wings have been impressive as of late, and Zadina’s performance in his return has also been worth talking about. He has been extremely reliable, even if he’s not leading the offensive charge alongside Dylan Larkin and company.

Keep in mind Zadina has been playing in the team’s bottom six, with Pius Suter and Oskar Sundqvist being his linemates frequently—certainly, not two linemates who will foster an environment full of scoring.

While both Suter and Sundqvist have helped in their own way and played a role, the Red Wings cannot expect the same out of Zadina with those two as his linemates compared to cracking the top-six. It’s not to say the lines should be moved with things going well, but Zadina’s been doing good given the circumstances.

Detroit Red Wings forward Filip Zadina is settling in nicely upon return.

After a tough start to the season full of adversity as he battled a broken bone in the lower half. But after working back to the ice, Zadina was cleared for his return after the All-Star break and has slotted into the team’s lineup.

In 2022-23, Zadina has played in 14 games with a goal and an assist to his credit for two total points. But in reality, his impact has been much larger. He has done a great job finding ways to get involved with the offense.

In the game against Calgary on Thursday, he consistently forced his way into the offensive zone and created scoring chances. He’s shown the ability to make some passes and set up his teammates for quality scoring chances.

He was advertised as the sniper scorer with a really impressive shot. This was when he was drafted back in 2018. However, this has not been the case. But this new version of Zadina which has emerged as more of a playmaker is more than worth keeping around.

The Red Wings should view this as a win. Take what they can get from the winner and find ways to plug him into the offense. Squeezing value out of him and seeing him still pan out to be something as a worthwhile forward is solid.

As the season continues, look for Zadina to keep proving his worth with the Red Wings’ offense.