HOCKEY TRADE RUMOURS | NHL TEAM | VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Canadian team leading the race to sign Nikita Zadorov in free agency

As Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov prepares to enter the free agent market on Monday, significant interest is expected, including a Canadian team.

Nikita Zadorov's performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs has drawn interest this summer�a big, rugged defenseman capable of playing over 18 minutes a night in any situation, which is likely to drive up his price on the open market tomorrow.

According to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a potential destination for Zadorov in free agency.

"Treliving tried trading for a Tanev-Zadorov package in the fall, when the six-foot-six Russian ended up in Vancouver.

Again, the GM knows the player. Loves the player.

Zadorov's superb performance in the playoffs (four goals, eight points in 13 games) only ratcheted up his stock ahead of his best chance to get paid.

The Canucks would like to keep him. Is he not a Rick Tocchet type player? But Zadorov's asking price � $5 million times six years � is steep.

We like the player. We'd like him a lot more if that price drops." Luke Fox said

Nikita Zadorov, hailing from Moscow, Russia, was involved in one of the significant trades of the 2023-24 season, moving from Calgary to Vancouver in late November. The 29-year-old defenseman recorded 20 points (six goals, 14 assists), accumulated 125 penalty minutes, and maintained an even rating in 75 regular-season games. He elevated his performance in the playoffs, emerging as one of the Canucks' top defensemen and registering eight points in 13 games.

Zadorov, aged 29, might not be the only former Vancouver Canucks defenseman targeted by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. According to TSN's Darren Dreger, despite acquiring Chris Tanev's rights, the Maple Leafs have set their sights on 2024 Stanley Cup champion Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

"Toronto is positioned to strengthen their blueline. Some creative negotiating is required, but Zadorov and OEL remain prime targets in addition to Tanev." Dreger said.

It seems likely that two former Canucks defensemen could also return to Canada, joining one of the NHL's largest markets.

Previously on Hockey Trade Rumours

Tyler Bertuzzi has reached an agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks

Darren Dreger confirms Tyler Bertuzzi's departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs

Nick Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs has requested to be traded

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