Report: Zadorov requests trade from Flames
Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov requested a trade through his agent Dan Milstein, a source told ESPN's Kevin Weekes.
Zadorov's camp is looking for a quick resolution, TSN's Pierre LeBrun adds.
Milstein voiced his displeasure with his client's lack of ice time Friday night.
I don't think so. Not when the best D barely gets the ice time... https://t.co/pR01lz58t0
- Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) November 11, 2023
Zadorov is coming off an impressive performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Hall of Fame game in which he scored a goal and laid a massive hit on Tyler Bertuzzi.
However, Zadorov only played 15:33 in the shootout loss, the second-lowest mark among Flames defensemen and nearly half of the 28:27 that ice-time leader Rasmus Andersson logged.
The Maple Leafs are, coincidentally, among the teams Zadorov would welcome a trade to, reports TSN's Chris Johnston. Zadorov's contract doesn't contain a no-trade list. Toronto general manager Brad Treliving was the GM of Calgary when the Flames traded for Zadorov in 2021 and re-signed him in 2022.
Zadorov's tallied five points in 12 games while averaging 18:10 per contest this season. His 6-foot-6, 248-pound frame would make him appealing for teams looking to add size to their blue line, but he's also posted strong underlying numbers over the last three campaigns.
Evolving-HockeyA left-handed shooter, Zadorov has also shown the ability to play both sides in his 11-year NHL career.
The 28-year-old is in the last year of his contract with a $3.75-million cap hit. He's one of three key defensemen for the Flames who can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, joining Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev.
Calgary reportedly paused extension talks with all of its pending UFAs after a poor start to the season. The Flames are now 4-7-2 on the year.
The Buffalo Sabres drafted Zadorov 16th overall in 2013. He played for the Sabres, Avalanche, and Blackhawks before joining the Flames.
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