Flames Rumors: Trade Market for Nikita Zadorov Heating Up

The Calgary Flames are a team to watch on the trade market as results haven't been there so far this season. If things continue to go south, GM Craig Conroy will have no choice but to entertain the market on several of his pending free agents. This includes defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who will be heavily pursued by Stanley Cup contenders.

Zadorov plays a physical game and at 6-foot-6 and 235lbs he's an intimidating presence who can be a solid depth option on a strong team. So far in 11 games this season the Russian blueliner has chipped in with four assists along with landing an impressive 29 hits.

Even at a reasonable $3.75 million against the cap, there aren't many teams with enough cap space to fit in Zadorov without having to get someone off the books. A deal for just a draft pick isn't likely unless the Flames eat some salary for the rest of the season.

Interested teams reportedly include the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and potentially the Vancouver Canucks.&

"I know for a fact from speaking to someone close to it that the Leafs are one of four teams that have inquired about Zadorov."@KevinWeekes on whether it is too early for the NHL trade market to start heating up and the #LeafsForever inquiring on Nikiita Zadorov. pic.twitter.com/yDb2X5zyk6
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) November 10, 2023