Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin has a busy six to eight weeks ahead with the NHL Entry Draft and free agency. On top of that, he needs to address the team's own free agents, including defenseman Nikita Zadorov.
Zadorov has been a strong defensive player since joining Vancouver and has contributed offensively, especially during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. These are the kinds of players needed to win championships.
Last week, it was reported that the Canucks and Zadorov's representatives were negotiating a new deal. Although no agreement has been reached yet, the Canucks did offer Zadorov a four- or five-year contract with an annual salary of $4.5 million, which he turned down.
According to Irfaan Gaffar, both sides are still interested in making a deal. Zadorov's camp is prioritizing the length of the contract over the money. Given that Zadorov is 29 years old, a seven- or eight-year contract seems unlikely.
