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Nikita Zadorov Exposes Flames With Explanation For Trade Request

Published December 2, 2023 at 9:04 PM
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The Nikita Zadorov sweepstakes are finally over as the Vancouver Canucks finally secured the bag by acquiring the 6'6" defender for draft picks.


Today, the hulking blueliner addressed reporters in Calgary, explaining why he requested a trade from the Flames.

Zadorov: "I Haven't Got A Contract Offer"




The former Flame expressed a desire to stay in Calgary for his entire career as recently as last offseason. So what has changed? Apparently, he was not particularly pleased with the team when they didn't make him an offer for a contract extension.

Nikita Zadorov about what changed from the end of last season when he said he'd like to be with the #Flames for life: «I haven't got a contract offer.»
As for whether he wishes his trade request stayed private: «No, I'm happy where I'm at right now.


Oddly enough, Zadorov's first game with the Canucks will come against his former team in Calgary. Here's what he had to say about the opportunity.

"It'll be awkward, but when we go on the ice, there's no friends. They're definitely going to be my friends for the rest of my life, for sure. Like I said yesterday in my statement, it was an unbelievable two and a half years. I've enjoyed every part of the city, the fans, the people. My teammates were the best part of it. Hopefully they won't hit me too hard tonight."

Canucks Acquire Zadorov From Flames



The Trade was made official on Thursday, ending the season-long drama in Calgary, at least on this front. The Flames received two draft picks in return.


Zadorov is a big, smooth-skating, defense-first defenseman who is not entirely out of his comfort zone in the offensive zone either. He's not a great finished but he can set up plays here and there. He's also extremely physical, as most NHL fans will likely already know.


The Canucks are looking to go on a long playoff run for the first time with their current core. Zadorov is the perfect kind of player to add to a playoff team so hopefully things work out for him in BC.

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December 2   |   158 answers
Nikita Zadorov Exposes Flames With Explanation For Trade Request

Who do you think won the Zadorov trade?

Calgary3320.9 %
Vancouver6641.8 %
Both3119.6 %
Neither2817.7 %
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