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
Following the game, Kevin Weekes shared an update on the situation:
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.
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.
- 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."
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.
As seen on Hockey Patrol - The Toronto Maple Leafs may have just found their new defenseman: Nikita Zadorov has requested a trade from the Calgary Flames
| 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 % |
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