(Vancouver) Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov appears set to take advantage of his full autonomy.
Published at 5:47 p.m.
Gemma Karstens-Smith
The Canadian Press
The team has tried to reach an agreement with the rugged Russian rearguard since the end of the season, but the two sides have reached an impasse, general manager Patrik Allvin said Friday.
“I can’t overpay a player,” he said. “Nikita Zadorov was extremely good for us in the playoffs and he’s a character player. We did our best and he decided he wanted to go somewhere else.”
The free agent market will open on Monday.
The Canucks acquired Zadorov from the Calgary Flames on November 30 for a fifth-round pick this year and a third-round selection in 2026.
The 29-year-old scored five goals and 14 points in 54 season games, then added four goals and eight points in 13 playoff games.
Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres at 16e level in 2013, Zadorov wore the colors of the Canucks, Flames, Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche in 11 campaigns. He totaled 47 goals and 146 points in 642 games.
