Bardakov undergoes leg surgery after returning to SKA

SKA forward Zakhar Bardakov has undergone leg surgery. Head coach Igor Larionov previously estimated that the player would be sidelined for five to six months.

The 25-year-old posted a hospital photograph on Instagram. The coach’s recovery estimate points to a lengthy absence for the St Petersburg team and a possible return around the playoffs, although it does not guarantee readiness for a particular game.

Bardakov returned to SKA in the summer after a season with the Colorado Avalanche. He had spent four seasons with the Russian club before moving to North America, making his return a continuation of an established chapter in his career.

With Colorado, he played 60 NHL regular-season games and collected 10 points, comprising 1 goal and 9 assists. He averaged slightly more than seven minutes of ice time and did not play in the playoffs.

This KHL season, Bardakov appeared in three games for SKA, scoring one goal and providing two assists.