Reports surfaced over the weekend that Calgary Flames defenceman Nikita Zadorov would welcome a change of scenery. It was not a surprising development. The Flames are floundering at 4-8-2, and Zadorov has been relegated to third-pairing duty, averaging 18:10 of ice time per game.
“I would love to be a Calgary Flame for my whole life, but the business side, sometimes stuff happens,” Zadorov told reporters Saturday, not denying reports that he asked for a trade.
On the Saturday Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are among the teams interested in Zadorov, who is in the final year of a contract that carries a $3.75 million cap hit. Friedman followed up on that report Monday on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, relaying that an unidentified Maple Leafs player told Zadorov on the ice Friday, “You’re exactly what we need.” (Of course, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving knows Zadorov well, having signed him to his past two deals.)
At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, Zadorov cuts an intimidating figure. The only defenceman heavier than Zadorov is Seattle’s Jamie Oleksiak, who is listed at 257 pounds. Only six are taller.
Zadorov’s size advantage over most opponents comes into play along the boards, where he wins 2.38 puck battles per 20 minutes in all situations – eighth out of 201 defencemen who have played a minimum of 100 minutes. Zadorov’s long reach makes it difficult for opposing skaters to cross into the Flames’ defensive zone. He has denied 60.5 per cent of all entries attempted against him, which ranks fourth among qualified defenders.
Zadorov, who scored a career-high 14 goals last season, is also capable of pitching in offensively and moves well for a man his size. When given the opportunity to transport the puck, Zadorov has shown he can make plays. He is tied for 21st at the position in carry-ins per 20 that lead to scoring chances.
Teams in need of an upgrade on defence could do a lot worse than Zadorov. The Maple Leafs, who have bemoaned their lack of physicality, would address that concern by adding him. He would also lessen the load for 40-year-old Mark Giordano and John Klingberg, the latter of whom has struggled mightily in his own end this season.
“I’m not controlling (my ice time),” Zadorov told reporters Saturday. “I can feel whatever I want but the coaches are controlling it. … I hope that (my teammates) understand (my situation) one day.”
All stats via Sportlogiq