Canucks fans received disappointing news on Friday when it was announced that Russian defenseman Nikita Zadorov would not return to the organization. He will enter the open market as an unrestricted free agent on Monday.
There was much speculation about the Canucks' offer to Zadorov, especially since recent reports indicated both sides were willing to compromise. According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Canucks offered Zadorov a contract worth up to $5 million per season. However, the defenseman believes he can secure a higher salary on the open market next week.
Zadorov, aged 29, had a productive tenure with the Vancouver Canucks since his trade from the Calgary Flames at the end of November. He played 54 regular-season games for Vancouver, contributing 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 102 penalty minutes, and a plus-six rating. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 games.
It will be intriguing to see how Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks respond on Monday afternoon, as they now have a gap in their top-four defense that needs to be addressed swiftly. Allvin may opt to address this through a trade if pursuing a targeted free agent proves too costly.
Source: Canucks Daily
Insider reveals the Canucks' final offer to Nikita Zadorov
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