Filip Zadina Out for Remainder of Season with Appendicitis

As if the Detroit Red Wings couldn’t get any more shorthanded, Filip Zadina is now another player lost for the season. Head coach Jeff Blashill announced that Zadina would miss the remainder of the season due to appendicitis.

“Zadina had appendictis,” Blashill said after the Red Wings 7-2 loss to Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon.

“He had his appendix removed so he’s out for the rest of the season. It was successful, he should be totally fine, but obviously that’s a week.”

Zadina notched three points in his last four games, which included a goal in Detroit’s 3-0 win over Carolina on April 14th.  Zadina will now head to the offseason as a restricted free agent with ten goals and 24 points to his name in 2021-22.

But the returns were a bit underwhelming for Zadina, who Detroit expected much from when they drafted him sixth overall in 2018. Blashill encouraged Zadina to play good hockey, but body language on the ice would reveal a frustrated Zadina who appeared snakebitten at times when it came to goal scoring.

According to Evolving-Hockey, Zadina was good for at least another four goals, with an individual expected goals created (ixG) of 14.95.

Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen recently wrote that the Red Wings are have not given up on Zadina. But he and DHN’s Bob Duff both agreed he’s a candidate to be traded should an enticing deal land on general manager Steve Yzerman‘s desk.

Duff thinks with an abundance of top six forwards, Zadina could indeed be a target.

Filip Zadina Will Rest Up

There were certainly some signs of growth both from Zadina and the organization. Zadina’s game has evolved since his draft day. Michael Rasmussen may be the best gauge. Following a slow start to the season, Rasmussen has been stronger on his skates.

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Rasmussen has also been more visible on the scoresheet.

The Red Wings will have a number of priorities to address this offseason, and Zadina will be one of them. For now, Detroit just wants him to rest, recuperate, and prepare for next season.