The Vancouver Canucks have acquired defenseman Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a pair of draft picks.
Heading back to Calgary is a 5th round pick in 2024, and a 3rd round pick in 2026. Earlier this season the Russian blue liner’s agent Dan Milstein raised eyebrows when he questioned his client’s long term future in Calgary in a social media interaction with a fan. Zadorov then confirmed that he had previously spoken to Flames management about the possibility of a trade, leading to several NHL clubs inquiring about his availability.
“First, I’d like to thank Nikita for his commitment to the Flames and his professionalism through this process,” said Flames GM Craig Conroy in a statement.
“This trade provides us with important draft assets, cap space and the opportunity for another one of our young prospects to prove himself in the NHL.”
The 28 year old is in the final season of a 2 year $7.5M contract carrying a $3.75M AAV and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Across 21 games this season, Zadorov has recorded 6 points (1G, 5A) with a -6 rating while averaging 18:24 of ice time per night.
The deal is a relatively low risk proposition for the Canucks, who acquired a 5th rounder earlier this week in a deal that sent Anthony Beauvillier to the Chicago Blackhawks. By shipping out the 26 year old winger, Vancouver will actually save $400K against the cap, while also addressing their sudden need on the blue line following Carson Soucy’s placement on LTIR.
If things don’t work out, then both Zadorov and the Canucks can part ways in the offseason. Vancouver is next slated to take on the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday night at 10pm ET.
Photo: Jenn G. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.