Josh Wegman of the Score reports that Nikita Zadorov will likely sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs when free agency begins on July 1.
Since Toronto already owns the rights to sign Chris Tanev to a multi-year contract to strengthen their defense, the Maple Leafs are anticipated to be active in free agency. Wegman does, however, think Zadorov will sign a five-year contract with the Maple Leafs that will pay him $5 million a season.
Even after obtaining Chris Tanev’s rights on Saturday, Toronto still requires a top-four defenseman. Since Brad Treliving knows both players from his time in Calgary, he attempted to acquire both Tanev and Zadorov during the regular season. On the blue line, Treliving also craves nastiness and size, and 6-foot-6, 248-pound Zadorov provides both. Wegman writes, “Zadorov seems designed for the spotlight in Toronto. He just had a great postseason with the Canucks, when he became a favorite among the media for his soundbites.”
Since Zadorov and the Maple Leafs have already been connected, it wouldn’t be shocking if Toronto signed him when free agency begins on July 1. He signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract on July 13, 2022, with the Calgary Flames. He has already finished it.
Despite his success with the Canucks following the mid-season trade, Russian defenseman Nikolay Zadorov is set to become a free agent, according to Vancouver general manager Patrick Allvin.
Allvin stated, “I can’t overpay one single player” (via TSN). “And Nikita Zadorov was a character guy and really good for us in the playoffs.” He decided he wanted to go somewhere else after we tried our hardest.
We simply don’t care about any one person. Fitting the riddles in and building a competitive squad are the key objectives, Allvin continued. “We tried our hardest, but we are at our limit.”
Throughout the course of 75 regular-season games between the Vancouver Canucks and Flames, Zadorov recorded 6 goals, 14 assists, and 20 points. In 13 playoff games, he tallied 4 goals and 4 assists for a total of 8 points.
What Kind of Contract Does Zadorov Have?
Zadorov is expected to sign a multi-year contract because he is among the best defensemen available in free agency.
Based on AFP Analyti
Zadorov is a defenceman in the NHL who stands 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 248 pounds. He joined the team in 2013–14. The Russian has also played with the Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Flames, and Canucks. He was selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the 16th overall pick in the 2013 draft.
Tanev’s Rights Are Acquired by Maple Leafs
On June 30, the Maple Leafs obtained the defenceman Tanev’s signing rights.
The Maple Leafs were interested in Tanev along with Zadorov as a free agent, and by obtaining his rights, they may begin contract negotiations with him before to the start of the July 1 free agency period.
According to Sportsnet, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving stated, “We want to jump the queue here as best we could and get to him before free agency started.” I’m familiar with the player. Now let’s go to work on it. It’s thrilling. He was an outstanding athlete. Fantastic individual. If we can pull it all together, he will play a significant role in our organization.
In 75 games between the Flames and Stars the previous season, Tanev had 2 goals and 17 assists for a total of 19 points.
