Canucks Considering Trade of Recent Acquisition For Locker Room Reasons According to Insider

PUBLICATION

Dawson McKenzie
January 31, 2024 (10:29)

SHARE THIS STORY

Nikita Zadorov, defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks, skating without a helmet during warmups.

Photo credit: Sportsnet

According to this insider, the Vancouver Canucks could be considering a trade of this recent acquisition for reasons related to his dressing room presence.

The Vancouver Canucks have had an immaculate turnaround in recent years, and their rebuild has been paying its dividend this season. Sitting as one of the best teams in the NHL right now, the Canucks are gearing up for what they hope is a long post-season.

That preparation may include some more moves at the deadline in order to bolster their roster. In a surprising report, Don Taylor has speculated that the Canucks may be considering moving on from Nikita Zadorov after recently acquiring him in a trade. He suggests that Zadorov isn't the locker room fit that the Canucks had previously hoped for.

"You're starting to hear the odd thing, I'm wonder how happy they are with him and I don't mean just on the ice. I'm wondering how he's meshing in that room...I'm not so sure there's a mesh there right now"

The Canucks brought in Zadorov in hopes of bringing a physical presence to their blueline. Zadorov has played on the third pairing since coming to the Canucks, and has just 4 assists in the 24 games he's played with the team. He has averaged 17: 45 in ice time and has a pretty impressive +6 rating with the team.

Highly unlikely the #Canucks trade Zadorov unless they find a home run deal that makes them better. They acquired him for his size and snarl in a playoff run.

If he's not a fit inside the room, you simply let him walk, which is fine. Didn't surrender big assets to acquire him.

Moving Zadorov could pave the way for the Canucks to bring in a big salary, one that could help them go a long way in the post-season. We will have to wait and see what they decide to pursue.

Previously on HouseOfHockey

Major: Penguins star Jake Guentzel has reportedly turned down major contract extension

BREAKING: Ontario-Based Team Officially Relocates

BREAKING: A Second Player Pleads Not Guilty In Canadian WJC Scandal

POLL
31 JANVIER \| 192 ANSWERS Canucks Considering Trade of Recent Acquisition For Locker Room Reasons According to Insider Do you think the Canucks will trade Zadorov?
Yes	73	38 %
No	119	62 %
LIST OF POLLS