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Nikita Zadorov fires shot at the Calgary Flames in exit interviews

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Felip Gosselin
May 23, 2024  (7:48 PM)
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The Canucks held their exit interviews earlier today; known for his public relations abilities, Nikita Zadorov didn't disappoint when he took the stage.

Everybody knows his story; the Canucks acquired the giant Russian through a trade with the Calgary Flames. Zadorov had made it clear he wasn't willing to extend there and requested a trade-out. Since his arrival in Vancouver, he's been everything the team could ask for and then some.

He played his part during the regular season, an enormous shut-down defender who held his own. He stepped up to defend his teammates and played the intimidator role of the opponent. During the post-season, his game went to a whole new level, and he became a key offensive contributor, scoring key goals for the team.

In today's Canucks exit interviews, Zadorov took the stage and delivered headline-worthy quotes per his usual. The defenseman was asked how he felt about the Vancouver market and fired a shot at the Flames along the way:

Nikita Zadorov on the market in Vancouver: Hockey in Canada is different. I can compare it to Calgary, but the Vancouver fanbase is bigger. Calgary's not even the number 1 team in Alberta. #Canucks @Sportsnet650

Hitting free agency on July 1st, the hopes are that the Canucks will do everything they can to retain his services. The Big Z currently carries a $3.75M annual average and he now deserves a raise. Per Frank Seravalli, given his playoffs performance, Z's market value could be as high as $6M / year over the next six years.

POLL
MAI 23   |   2147 ANSWERS
Nikita Zadorov fires shot at the Calgary Flames in exit interviews

How high would you be willing to go in order to keep Nikita Zadorov?

As high as $4M / year44220.6 %
As high as $5M / year118455.1 %
As high as $6M / year43120.1 %
Let him go, he wants too much904.2 %
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