Surprisingly, Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov has requested a commerce following the staff’s latest loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The revelation got here by way of his agent, Dan Milstein, on Friday evening. Zadorov, 28, is approaching unrestricted free company after this season and presently holds a $3.75 million contract.
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal tweeted an replace on Zadorov’s commerce rumor:
“The #Canucks can be 1 of the groups in on this. Zadarov has been on the radar for some time in Vancouver.”
Regardless of a stable efficiency in opposition to the Maple Leafs, Nikita Zadorov obtained solely 15:33 minutes of ice time, the second-lowest among the many Flames’ defensemen. In keeping with Rick Dhaliwal, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks are each fascinated about securing the defenseman’s companies.
Notably, Nikita Zadorov has no commerce restrictions and beforehand joined the Flames underneath the administration of Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving. Because the Flames navigate a difficult season with a 4-7-2 document, Zadorov’s commerce request provides to the staff’s uncertainty.
With a number of impending unrestricted free brokers, they may be positioning themselves for a possible rebuild. Zadorov, who scored his first aim of the season within the latest shootout loss to Toronto, recorded 14 targets and 21 factors final season. His contract, signed in July 2022, was a two-year deal price $7.5 million.
Nikita Zadorov’s skilled hockey profession to date
Commencing his profession with the Buffalo Sabres in 2013, Nikita Zadorov left an enduring impression with a outstanding debut, solely to be reassigned to junior amid organizational modifications. Flourishing with the London Knights, he garnered recognition on the OHL Second All-Star Staff.
Traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2015, Zadorov encountered stints within the AHL however constantly honed his expertise, incomes a two-year contract extension. A setback occurred within the 2016–17 season on account of a fractured ankle, but he rebounded, attaining private milestones within the 2017–18 season.
Overcoming varied accidents, together with a facial fracture, Zadorov performed a pivotal position within the Avalanche’s 2019–20 playoff success. Traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020, he launched into a one-year stint earlier than discovering a brand new house with the Calgary Flames in 2021.
In August 2021, Zadorov inked a one-year cope with the Flames. His impactful journey peaked on April 12, 2023, when he notched his first NHL hat trick in a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks.