Canucks and Nikita Zadorov resume contract talks: Nearing an agreement

Elliotte Friedman, on the Oilers Now podcast, delivered a significant update on Nikita Zadorov and his future with the Canucks in Vancouver. Friedman reported that the two parties had been working hard toward an extension, and according to the last piece of intel, they are only getting closer:

Nikita Zadorov's time with the Vancouver Canucks, though brief, left a notable impact. Acquired in a mid-season trade, Zadorov brought a significant physical presence to the Canucks' blue line. Known for his imposing size and hard-hitting style, he quickly became a key defensive asset, delivering solid performances game after game.

Zadorov's ability to play a shutdown role and his willingness to engage in physical play provided the Canucks with much-needed grit and stability on defence. His contributions helped to solidify the team's back end, offering a blend of toughness and defensive reliability.

Off the ice, Zadorov's leadership qualities and professional demeanour were appreciated by teammates and coaches alike. Although his stint with the Canucks was not long-term, Zadorov's tenure was marked by his consistent and impactful presence, leaving a lasting impression on the team's defensive core.

In the 2023-2024 NHL season, Zadorov tallied 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) and recorded 150 hits and 90 blocked shots over 82 games, showcasing his physicality and defensive reliability. His versatility to play top-four and bottom-pairing roles and his potential to mentor younger players enhances his attractiveness on the free agency market, where he is expected to draw significant interest from teams aiming to add a dependable, hard-hitting defenseman to their roster.

According to multiple sources around the league, the narrative suggests he could be asking for as much as a $6M AAV over the next 5 to 6 years. It was made public that Zadorov had made it known to the Canucks that he wanted to remain in Vancouver so much that he was willing to take a hometown discount. Hopefully, these talks lead to a positive conclusion for both the Canucks and the Big Z.

Source: Oilers Now
Elliotte Friedman from NHL Hockey on Rogers