Flames' Nikita Zadorov Requests Trade

Rob Couch Saturday, November 11, 2023 Calgary Flames

It seems as though Nikita Zadorov has had enough of his time with the Calgary Flames and has requested a trade through his agent. He is in the final year of his two-year, $3.75 million AAV deal and is a UFA at the end of the season.

**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 . #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/TRZqwcgyd5
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) November 11, 2023

The big defenseman has been one of the best on the Flames' blue line, but continues to get minimal ice time. What seemed to have put him over the edge was logging just 15:33 of ice time in the loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs while Rasmus Andersson logged 28:27.

Zadorov is capable of playing both sides of the ice and is likely looking to go to a contender to finish up the season, or any place where his work is rewarded with more ice time. He has the fifth-most ice time among defenders and to this point has one goal and five points in 12 games while delivering 24 hits already.

Chris Johnston noted that the Maple Leafs are a place where Zadorov would want to play and Pierre LeBrun reported that Zadorov's camp is looking for a quick resolution. Don't expect this to drag out, especially since there isn't a no-trade clause attached to his contract.

Photo credit: © Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports