Friedman updates on Nikita Zadorov: He really wants to stay

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Cooper Godin
June 17, 2024 (4:34 PM)

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Elliotte Friedman has updated Nikita Zadorov's situation with Vancouver as free agency is just two weeks away from opening up.

It's been a bit of a mystery regarding Nikita Zadorov and his contract discussions with the Vancouver Canucks. It was reported late last week that the Canucks were going to make a final offer to Zadorov over the weekend.

Now, it appears that Zadorov's tenure with Vancouver could be coming to a close and may be hitting the open market as an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman was a guest on Donnie & Dhali on Monday and shared that the Canucks most likely won't be able bring Nikita Zadorov back, but he still refuses to completely close the door on a return.

"The Canucks most likely won't be able to keep him, he wants to stay. He will take less in VAN but there is a limit. I refuse to close the door on that one." Friedman said.

For Canucks fans, they're likely feeling disappointment with today's update, but as Friedman mentions, he personally doesn't want to close the door on a potential return. Zadorov is a player that the Canucks would love to have back and the blueliner wants to come back. It wouldn't be surprising if try one more time to get him signed in a week or so, just before the market opens.

Zadorov, 29, was a solid addition for the Vancouver Canucks after being acquired by Patrik Allvin from the Calgary Flames in November 2023. The Moscow native went on to appear in 54 regular season games with Vancouver where put up 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 102 penalty minutes and was a plus-six. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Zadorov had eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 games.

Do you think the Vancouver Canucks will be able to work something out with Nikita Zadorov last minute before he hits the open market? Share your thoughts with us in the poll below.