Nikita Zadorov's agent responds bluntly to rumour of negotiations with Canucks

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TJ Tucker
June 7, 2024 (9:34)

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Nikita Zadorov's agent has given a very blunt and informative response to rumours that his client is in deep talks with the Vancouver Canucks on a new contract

Defenceman Nikita Zadorov was a great fit for the Vancouver Canucks when he was traded there by the Calgary Flames in November of 2023. The team would surely like to keep him, but the 29-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 unless a new deal can be reached. Now, his agent is responding to rumours of talks with the Canucks.

In a recent report, Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet said there has been "significant traction" on a potential new contract for Zadorov in Vancouver.

"Amid Canuck coaching news the last couple of weeks, there has been significant traction in contract talks w UFAs Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. Maybe neither re-signs, but it's possible the Canucks could keep both players."

However, Zadorov's agent, Dan Milstein, insists that report is flat out wrong.

"Fake news."

That's certainly not good news for the team or Canucks fans who are hoping that Zadorov will stick around. There are rumours that the team and Zadorov attempted to get a new deal worked out before the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs began, but were unable to reach an agreement.

"News on Zadorov...

'[They] tried really hard before the playoffs to get the deal together but couldn't agree on number of years.'

'Since the playoffs They didn't hold any contract talks. As much as Big Z wants to stay, it's looking more and more that we are going free agency.'"

Zadorov is coming off a contract that carried an annual cap hit of $3.75 million. Word is he's looking for at least $4.5 million on his next deal, which is creating difficulty for the Canucks with their current cap situation. If not signed by July 1, there is bound to be plenty of interest in the gritty blueliner from other teams.