Rick Dhaliwal of 'Donnie & Dhali recently spoke with Nikita Zadorov's agent, Dan Milstein, who said that they're being open-minded with free agency coming up and won't rule anything out, including a return to Vancouver until the market opens at noon ET on July 1st.
Losing Nikita Zadorov, which is a real possibility at this point, would be a big blow for the Vancouver Canucks, given the critical role he played on the blueline during his time with the organization this season. Zadorov was arguably one of Vancouver's best defencemen at times during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and because of that, he increased his value as an unrestricted free agent. Allvin will have to act fast next week when the market opens if he does have to replace the Moscow native.
Zadorov's chances at a big contract, in terms of years and AAV, this summer are more significant than many would have thought at the beginning of the season. Winnipeg's recent extension for Dylan DeMelo at $4.9 million AAV for four years certainly helps Zadorov in free agency following Monday.
The 29-year-old Zadorov was acquired by Patrik Allvin and the Canucks in November 2023 from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 third-round pick. He appeared in 54 games during the regular season for the Canucks, putting up 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 102 penalty minutes and was a plus-six. Zadorov added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
