Zadorov's future in Vancouver may be decided this weekend

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Cooper Godin
June 15, 2024 (12:31)

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One of the bigger free agents the Vancouver Canucks have is defenceman Nikita Zadorov and it appears that his future with the organization could be decided this weekend.

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."

Earlier this week, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman shared that both sides weren't willing to budge any further in contract discussions and it appeared that Zadorov would hit the free agent market on Canada Day. Not long after Friedman reported that, he heard from other sources saying that this isn't done, but there's less than a 50 percent chance that Zadorov re-signs with the Vancouver Canucks.

"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 Moscow, Russia native had a solid tenure for the Vancouver Canucks since his trade from the Calgary Flames back at the end of November. Zadorov skated in 54 games during the regular season for Vancouver, putting up 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 102 penalty minutes and was a plus-six. He went on to add eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.

With the Canucks in need of help on the blue line, especially with Ian Cole hitting the open market and Filip Hronek potentially being traded if they aren't able to re-sign him by the NHL Entry Draft, it'll be interesting to see where Patrik Allvin turned his attention if they're also unable to agree to terms with Nikita Zadorov.