The Calgary Flames are off to a rough start in their 2023-24 campaign. They've struggled to win games and continue to slide down the NHL standings. Now the Flames have received some bad news about one of their key defensemen.
Zadorov wants out
During their 5-4 shootout loss to Toronto on Friday night, defenseman Nikita Zadorov requested a trade out of Calgary through his agent Dan Milstein, according to Kevin Weekes of ESPN.
This was announced shortly after scoring a goal, and delivering a big hit against the Maple Leafs.
The Calgary Flames currently sit 30th in the NHL standings with a 4-7-2 record. They're coming off a 2022-23 season where they also missed the playoffs, and are on track to do the same again this year. Zadorov likely wants to spend his prime years with a contender.
There are now two teams announced as favorable destinations for the 28-year-old.
(Read Below)
Zadorov welcome to a New Jersey trade
According to James Nichols of NJD Hockey Now, Zadorov would welcome a trade to the New Jersey Devils.
“Of course, (he’d go to New Jersey),” the source exclaimed. “Who wouldn’t want to be on a contender?”
The development stemmed from a Twitter interaction between Zadorov’s agent and a Flames fan on the social media platform. According to Zadorov’s agent, the Flames defenseman doesn’t appear interested in re-signing in Calgary as his minutes are diminishing.
There is, however, one other team that the defenseman would be interested in joining.
(Read Below)
Maple Leafs potential landing spot
The other team that Zadorov would be interested in joining are the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to The Athletic's Chris Johnston.
Zadorov is in the final year of a two-year contract that pays him $3.75 million and doesn’t own any trade clauses.
He's described as a physical defensive minded blueliner, an above average skater while throwing lots of hits. One of his disadvantages is he takes plenty of penalties.
In 12 games with the Flames, he's scored 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points.
Which team should Zadorov sign with?
Toronto
New Jersey
Other
