Canucks Rumors: What about Nikita Zadorov returning to Vancouver?

The Boston Bruins are reportedly open to a major shakeup with their roster, even after firing head coach Jim Montgomery. One intriguing possibility, made by hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, was a potential move of defenseman Nikita Zadorov heading back to the Vancouver Canucks.

Friedman admitted it's just something he's thought of, and not necessarily something he's reporting from a lead or inside knowledge. The Sportsnet insider published his 32 Thoughts on Thursday and referenced the potential trade:

3. Weird idea that may only make sense to me: Nikita Zadorov back to Vancouver. No idea if even possible, or if anyone would want it, but he was a good fit and the Canucks miss him.

The Canucks let Zadorov walk in free agency, after an in-season trade with the Calgary Flames last year. Zadorov signed a six-year, $30-million deal with the Bruins, and so far this season, has been underwhelming in Boston.

Zadorov has appeared in 20 games so far in a Bruins jersey, has yet to score, while recording five assists. He's playing 19:10 per game, which is just under a career high, and has landed 55 hits, blocked 19 shots, and is playing among the first unit of the Bruins' penalty kill.

The Canucks have $2.3 million in deadline cap space, so there would certainly need to me some money heading off their roster to facilitate any deal. The Bruins need help up front, so perhaps someone like Conor Garland could be someone Boston has interest in.