Canucks Acquire Zadorov from Flames

Zadorov Traded for Fifth-Round Pick

Flames Defenseman Seeking a Change of Scenery

The Vancouver Canucks have acquired defenceman Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The trade was announced by the Canucks on Thursday.

Zadorov, 27, has played 394 NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, and Flames. He has 31 goals and 91 assists for 122 points in his career.

The 6-foot-6, 230-pound Zadorov is a physical presence on the ice. He is known for his hard hits and ability to block shots. He also has some offensive upside, as evidenced by his 12-goal season with the Blackhawks in 2020-21.

Zadorov's agent, Dan Milstein, told The Athletic shortly after the trade that there was "no animosity" between Zadorov and the Flames. However, Milstein said that Zadorov "wanted a change of scenery" and that the Flames were willing to accommodate his request.

The Flames are currently in the midst of a rebuild, and Zadorov's departure is the latest sign that the team is moving in a new direction. The Flames have already traded away several key players this season, including Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sean Monahan.