Nikita Zadorov confirmed he has discussed a trade with the Calgary Flames, one day after his agent shared on social media that the defenceman was unlikely to re-sign with the club.
Zadorov's agent Dan Milstein — when asked by a fan on Twitter Friday night if the Flames will be able to keep the defenceman — wrote "I don't think so" before raising concerns about Zadorov's ice time.
When asked about Milstein's tweet, Zadorov's said he supports his agent's decision to share that comment.
"That was his decision to make that tweet. He definitely wants to protect me, wants the best opportunity for myself so I think he's definitely helping me in that situation," Zadorov said. "I love my time being a Calgary Flame, I'm enjoying it every day... but I mean the business side, sometimes, stuff happens. My agent's got to protect me at some points for sure."
When asked point blank if he had asked for a trade, Zadorov replied "we've been discussing it."
One notable element of Milstein's comment was the mention of Zadorov's ice time. The 28-year-old is averaging 18:09 per game this season, which is fifth among Flames defencemen and 32 seconds below his average a year ago.
"I'm not controlling it. I can feel whatever I want but the coaches control it," Zadorov said when asked about his ice time.
The Flames, with a 4-8-2 record, could be at the centre of trade talks on a number of fronts as the season moves along, including on the blue line where they have Zadorov, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin all playing on expiring contracts. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Canucks and Maple Leafs have shown interest in both Zadorov and Tanev and that the Coyotes discussed Hanifin with the Flames recently.
With so many trade chips, the Flames will be careful not to underbid themselves, meaning it could still be a while before the dominos begin to fall.
"I do think the Flames made it very clear to Zadorov that while they might be willing to move him, they're going to do it on their own timetable," Friedman said Saturday on Hockey Night in Canada.
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