The Vancouver Canucks acquired defenseman Nikita Zadorov in a trade with the Calgary Flames. The Canucks gave up a fifth-round pick in 2024 and a 2026 third-rounder in exchange for the 28-year-old player.
Zadorov has one goal and five assists for a total of six points in 21 games he played for the Flames in 2023-24.
Zadorov asked the Flames to trade him back in November after a series of games in which his ice time was diminished. He is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and probably wants to put together a strong season in order to position himself for a better contract. It was reported at the time that the Toronto Maple Leafs was his preferred destination.
The Canucks likely acquired Zadorov to add depth to their roster and give themselves an opportunity to maintain a strong start to the season. The team currently owns a 15-8-1 record and sits in second place in the Pacific Division.
The Flames, on the other hand, get something in return from a player that they were unlikely to resign at the end of the season. It also provides them some cap flexibility, as they are moving on from Zadorov’s $3.75 million salary.
