The Colorado Avalanche were short on cap space this summer, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t try on a few players.

Speaking in a new interview with ResponsibleGambling.com, former Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov talked about how he prioritized a little bit of everything when it came to choosing a team to sign with this summer. He eventually ended up in Boston, signing a 6 year, $30 million contract with the Bruins. That’s a little rich for Colorado’s blood right now, but apparently, they tried.

Here’s an excerpt from the piece…

“Zadorov’s journey to the Bruins wasn’t straightforward. “The Bruins were the best option, both in terms of hockey, which is always a priority, and family,” he explained. Despite offers from other teams, including the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche, Zadorov chose Boston for its winning potential.”

Now, the way that everything is worded in the excerpt doesn’t make it clear if this information is coming directly from Zadorov or not, but it’s interesting nonetheless. Colorado added depth on defense this summer, signing Calvin de Haan, Erik Brannstrom, Calle Rosen, and Jacob MacDonald, but the four of those players combined make about half of what Zadorov signed in Boston for.

A Zadorov addition would have been fascinating, and probably would have lead to changes on the blueline because of the salary cap. The only defenseman on Colorado’s defense who brings that physical element with any consistency is Josh Manson, so Zadorov certainly would have changed the look of the defense quite a bit. Someone would have likely been headed out to make room for him, though. The only way Colorado could have afforded a contract like that would have been to get rid of one that costs about the same. It’s not happening now, but it’s interesting to think about.

I’ve made it pretty obvious over the years that I’ve always been a fan of Zadorov as a player and as a person. He’s a real personality, and we don’t see enough of that in the NHL. He was popular amongst fans in his time with the Avalanche, but his play on the ice was a little erratic. Since leaving Colorado, he’s grown a lot, particularly when he was with the Flames and playing for Darryl Sutter. It’s safe to say that as a member of the media who loves a good quote, I would have welcomed a Zadorov reunion in Colorado.