The verdict is in for defenceman Nikita Zadorov and the Canucks

While on the Oilers Now podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that it's unlikely that Nikita Zadorov will re-sign with the Vancouver Canucks before hitting the open market on Canada Day.

Friedman said that he believes the Canucks and Zadorov's camp weren't too far apart. Still, neither side was willing to compromise, which likely means the Russian blueliner is heading for unrestricted free agency in just over two weeks from now.

Zadorov, 29, was an excellent addition for the Vancouver Canucks after he was acquired from the Calgary Flames in November 2023. In 54 regular season games, the Moscow native recorded 14 points (five goals, nine assists) and eight points in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.

With the Canucks already moving on from Ian Cole and likely now Nikita Zadorov, too, it'll be interesting to see what Patrik Allvin has up his sleeve to improve his defensive group. Tyler Myers is another name that could become a UFA on July 1st if he's not re-signed, then the Canucks will have lost three of their top-six defenceman from the 2023-24 season, which will require Allvin to explore the trade market and free agency for replacements.