Nikita Zadorov Finds New Home As Flames Pull Off Trade

The first shoe has dropped in the Calgary Flames fire sale, as pending UFA Nikita Zadorov is headed to the Vancouver Canucks. 

General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have acquired D Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft (acquired from CHI) and a third-round pick in 2026.

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 30, 2023

The Flames, in return for the behemoth blueliner, get two picks—a fifth-rounder in 2024 and a third-rounder in 2026.  Zadorov will head into free agency after the season, as his $3.75M AAV contract comes to an end. He's just a rental for the rest of the season, plus the Flames do not have to retain any of his remaining salary, which explains the relatively low cost of acquisition for Vancouver.  

The outspoken Zadorov requested a trade a few weeks back, while the Flames were still mired in a brutal start to the season.  

The hulking D-man, 6'6", 248 pounds, will be a welcome addition for the Canucks, whose blueline has been hit by injuries. 

Sometimes it’s this simple: Nikita Zadorov is a big upgrade for Vancouver on the back-end, but more than that, he’s extremely fun to watch play hockey. #Canucks

— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) November 30, 2023

And in an interesting twist of the NHL schedule, the Canucks are at the Saddledome on Saturday when Zadorov will get his first chance to crunch some ex-teammates.

Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports