Top defensive free agent Nikita Zadorov to have future decided this weekend

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Josh Tupper
June 16, 2024 (2:00 PM)

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Nikita Zadorov and the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly connecting one final time this weekend to try and agree on a new contract.

According to Rick Dhaliwal of 'Donnie & Dhali', the Vancouver Canucks will reportedly make their final offer to Nikita Zadorov this weekend and that both sides are wanting to get something done. Dhaliwal says that the Canucks want to keep Zadorov, while the Russian blueliner wants to stay in Vancouver.

"Dhaliwal reporting Canucks are making their final offer to Zadorov this weekend.

The desire to get this done by Zadorov and his agent is massive. He doesn't want to go anywhere."

It was reported earlier this week by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet that Zadorov will likely become a free agent on Canada Day since neither party was willing to give up on the contract negotiations. Shortly after reporting that, Friedman received information from other sources indicating that although Zadorov's re-signing with the Vancouver Canucks is not guaranteed, it is unlikely.

"I think we're going to know in the next few days if there's any hope with Zadorov. Appears unlikely but someone reached out to me and said that one isn't over yet. Odds are less than 50%. They told me it might be over soon but it's not over yet." Friedman said.

The native of Moscow joined the Vancouver Canucks at the end of November following his trade from the Calgary Flames, and he had a successful season. In 54 regular season games for Vancouver, Zadorov skated in and recorded 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 102 penalty minutes, and a plus-six rating. He continued, contributing eight more points in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games (four goals, four assists).

If they can't come to an agreement with Nikita Zadorov, it will be interesting to see where Patrik Allvin turned his attention. The Canucks need help on the blue line, especially with Ian Cole hitting the open market and Filip Hronek possibly being traded if they can't re-sign him by the NHL Entry Draft.

Source: Blade of Steel
Zadorov's future in Vancouver may be decided this weekend