Flames trade defenseman Nikita Zadorov to Canucks

The Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Nikita Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick.

Zadorov’s move to Vancouver comes in response to a formal trade request submitted on November 11. Zadorov has appeared in 21 games with the Flames this season, recording six points, 23 penalty minutes and a plus/minus of -6. He was in his third season with the club after Calgary acquired him through a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Calgary signed Zadorov to two contracts, including a two-year, $7.5M contract signed in 2022 that Zadorov is in the final year of. The 28-year-old defenseman carries a $3.75M cap hit through the remainder of the season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Vancouver will become the fifth team that Zadorov has played for in his 11-year career. He was originally drafted 16th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft, making his NHL debut at the end of the 2013-14 season. The defender played his rookie season in 2014-15, notching 15 points, 51 penalty minutes and a -10 in 60 games.