Canucks acquire Zadorov from Flames for 2 picks

The Vancouver Canucks acquired defenseman Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames for a fifth-round selection in 2024 and a third-rounder in 2026, the teams announced Thursday.

The fifth-rounder is the pick Vancouver received in Tuesday's trade that sent forward Anthony Beauvillier to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Zadorov is under contract for the remainder of the season at a $3.75-million cap hit before hitting unrestricted free agency. He requested a trade out of Calgary through his agent earlier in November, citing a lack of playing time.

The 28-year-old has registered six points in 21 games this season while averaging 18:24 of ice time. He's highly regarded for his physicality, logging 100-plus hits in all but two of his 11 NHL campaigns.

Zadorov was a first-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2013. He also suited up for the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks before joining the Flames in 2021.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said Wednesday that his club is seeking help on the blue line. Vancouver is 15-7-1 and on track to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since the bubble in 2020.

The Flames were widely expected to be an X-factor in trades this season given their numerous prominent pending UFAs. They traded Tyler Toffoli in the summer and still have Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, and Chris Tanev on expiring contracts.

Calgary could look to offload more pieces if its season doesn't turn around. The club is currently 10th in the Western Conference at 9-10-3.

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