Flames defenseman requests trade

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes is reporting that Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov has requested a commerce to a different workforce. TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun additionally tweeted concerning the scenario, including that Zadorov’s agent Dan Milstein is hoping for a fast decision. The information of the request got here out after the Flames’ 5-4 time beyond regulation loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs final night time, a recreation through which Zadorov had a objective and an enormous hit within the third interval.

Calgary has had a disastrous begin to the season at 4-7-2 and is feeling like a workforce that may see plenty of modifications within the subsequent 12 months. Zadorov is a pending unrestricted free agent, as are his teammates Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev, and Oliver Kylington.

For his half, Zadorov has had begin to the season with a objective and 4 assists in 12 video games. The 6-foot-6 rearguard has been in a position to assist the Flames drive play whereas averaging two hits a recreation. The 28-year-old is averaging over 18 minutes of ice time a recreation this 12 months which is true in keeping with his profession common. Any workforce that acquires the native of Moscow, Russia can be getting a giant hulking defenseman who can present physicality, block photographs, kill penalties and chip in a bit offensively.

On the subject of buying groups, NHL Insider Chris Johnston is reporting that Zadorov would welcome a commerce to Toronto. The Maple Leafs may definitely use the skillset that Zadorov would convey, nevertheless, he’s within the ultimate 12 months of a two-year $7.5M contract that carries a cap hit of $3.75M. This might require the Flames to retain half of Zadorov’s cap hit and for Toronto to discover a solution to maneuver different cash off their books. The truth is, on condition that over half of the NHL is inside one million {dollars} of the wage cap ceiling, the Flames will possible need to take some wage again to facilitate a transfer.

The Flames shall be partaking with as many groups as potential within the coming days, so it’s laborious to take a position the place Zadorov may find yourself. Calgary may very well be in for lots of commerce talks within the coming weeks with Zadorov being the primary domino to fall for the Flames.