Nikita Zadorov's Agent Drops A Major Clue About Where He Will Get Traded
Following the Calgary Flames' 5-4 shootout defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, reports emerged that Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov has sought a trade away from the team.
In that game, Zadorov logged 15:33 of ice time, ranking fifth among the team's defensemen. He contributed a goal, had a plus-one rating, registered two shots, blocked one and delivered one hit.
It seems Zadorov's desire for a trade comes from a recent halt in contract extension talks with the Flames, triggered by the team's losing streak. His reduced ice time certainly fueled his wish to leave Calgary.
Zadorov Seeks a Trade, Open to Joining the Toronto Maple Leafs
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Following the game, Kevin Weekes shared an update on the situation:
"**Breaking News 🚨 📰**
Fresh off a goal and big hit tonight against the @MapleLeafs , I'm told that D Zadorov through his agent @GoldStarHockey Dan Milstein has requested a trade from the @NHLFlames."
Chris Johnson has mentioned that Zadorov would be open to a move to Toronto.
There's also been dissatisfaction expressed by Zadorov's agent over the player's recent lack of ice-time with Calgary.
"I don't think so. Not when the best D barely gets the ice time"
It seems Zadorov is keen to part ways with the Flames as soon as possible.
Potential Fit for Zadorov with Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially integrate Nikita Zadorov into their top four. The Leafs have been struggling defensively, conceding four or more goals in each of their last four games, including the one against Calgary.
"Here comes Zadorov train get your #LeafsForever tickets today #WeAreGoldStar!"
"With Nikita Zadorov looking to be traded out of Calgary, word is the pending UFA defenceman would welcome a move to Toronto."
"Pros for Zadorov:
- Big, long defence-first player who has strong 5v5 defence metrics especially at limiting scoring chances.
- Some offensive upside
- From what I've seen, he's a good transition defender. Can use his reach to limit space, plus can lay heavy hits at the line."
"Zadorov feels like the perfect blend of the physicality Treliving was chasing this offseason mixed with modern, puck-moving abilities needed to keep up with the Leafs stars.
This is his card from last season, where Zadorov was *excellent* in transition. He can do a lot more things than just be 6"6."
For a trade to happen, the Flames would need to absorb some salary. A likely candidate for this exchange could be John Klingberg, whose performance for Toronto this season has been horrible. A trade could see Klingberg's $4.15 million salary move to Calgary in exchange for Zadorov's $3.75 million contract.
A plausible trade scenario might involve Zadorov for Klingberg, Ty Voit, and a conditional draft pick, either a second or first rounder, depending on the Leafs' playoff performance.
"Tor, Van, and NJD are the clubs with strong interest in Zadorov. Tanev, solid right shot Dman is a huge draw and, of course, Hanifin. The Flames are in no hurry to sell assets. If a team steps up in a big way, everything has to be considered. I'm not sensing urgency from Cgy."
Previously on PuckReporter
| POLL |
11 NOVEMBRE | 273 ANSWERS Nikita Zadorov's Agent Drops A Major Clue About Where He Will Get Traded Do you think Zadorov will end up in Toronto? |
| Yes | 178 | 65.2 % |
| No | 95 | 34.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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