Vancouver reportedly making last push to retain Nikita Zadorov
Photo credit: Screenshot
Following an impressive showing in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly making one last push to retain pending free agent Nikita Zadorov.
The Vancouver Canucks were looking to bolster their defensive game towards the start of the 2023-2024 season. As part of these efforts, they took a chance on Zikita Zadorov, trading him for a couple of picks in upcoming drafts to the Calgary Flames.
"The Vancouver Canucks have acquired Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a 2024 5th round pick, and a 2026 3rd round pick."
Big Z did not pay off immediately, having only pulled in 14 points in 54 games during the regular season. However, the 6'6" defenseman had a massive showing with Vancouver in the playoffs, pulling in 4 goals and 4 assists in 13 games.
"NIKITA ZADOROV SCORES ANOTHER PLAYOFF GOAL 🚨
The Canucks take the lead!"
The Canucks take the lead!"
After this showing, it is no surprise a handful of teams and many more fans have their eyes on Zadorov as he transitions into unrestricted free agency. However, according to Canucks broadcaster Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali, all other teams will still have to compete against his current team in Vancouver, who are now making their final pushes to retain the payer.
"Per @DhaliwalSports
The #Canucks are making one final offer to D Nikita Zadorov prior to start of Free Agency
Canucks have $24M in cap space to try and spend this offseason and Zadorov is 1 of 3 defenseman they would like to keep (Hronek and Myers)
We'll see what Patrik Allven and Vancouver can do"
The #Canucks are making one final offer to D Nikita Zadorov prior to start of Free Agency
Canucks have $24M in cap space to try and spend this offseason and Zadorov is 1 of 3 defenseman they would like to keep (Hronek and Myers)
We'll see what Patrik Allven and Vancouver can do"
Though Zadorov has proven himself useful for the team, it does not guarantee he will re-sign with Vancouver's last efforts. The team only has so much money available for players, and because the player will certainly go up in price as well as being a left shot, he may have to play elsewhere in the NHL next season.
"The player and his agent Dan Milstein would love to re-sign in Vancouver but this is strictly about money.
If he was right-handed, Don, I'm telling you, he would've been signed months ago."
If he was right-handed, Don, I'm telling you, he would've been signed months ago."
Given his sheer size and impressive playoff performance, Nikita Zadorov will have no trouble landing a contract to his liking should he leave the Canucks. However, with Vancouver making their last efforts to keep the player, there may not be a chance to test his value in the free-agent market.
Source: Pro Hockey Rumors
West Notes: Zadorov, O'Connor, Jets
West Notes: Zadorov, O'Connor, Jets
| POLL | ||
17 JUIN | 94 ANSWERS Vancouver reportedly making last push to retain Nikita Zadorov Will the Vancouver Canucks be able to keep Nikita Zadorov for next season? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 40.4 % |
| No | 56 | 59.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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