Flames News: Nikita Zadorov is off to a division rival

The Calgary Flames had a rough start to the season. There have been some changes over the last 2 years but they are a team always trying to stay competitive. It isn’t always easy for them but there is a fair amount of talent on that roster.

Since that rough start, they have found a way to get back into the race as we enter December. They are 6-3-1 in their last ten games which has them at 10-10-3. On Thursday night, they defeated the Dallas Stars in overtime by a final score of 4-3.

Before the game, however, they made a big move. After weeks of speculation, Nikita Zadorov has finally been traded. He went to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick. That 2024 fifth originally belonged to the Chicago Blackhawks.

This is a great trade for the Vancouver Canucks. It felt like the Flames could get significantly more than that for Zadorov, especially from a division rival. The Canucks are getting a solid defenseman that plays a hard game and creates offense.

The Calgary Flames finally got the requested trade of Nikita Zadorov done

So far this season, Zadorov has not put up the points that we are used to seeing from him lately. He also requested a trade out of Calgary a few weeks ago so he finally got his wish. In 21 games played so far this year, he has one goal, five assists, and six points.

Now, Zadorov will be going to the Vancouver Canucks who have a ton of offensive firepower. They have three of the NHL’s top ten scorers right now. J.T. Miller is second with 36 points, Quinn Hughes is tied for fourth with 33 points, and Elias Petterson is tied for ninth with 30 points.

If Zadorov gets to be on the ice with any of these guys at any time, his game should elevate again. He is a very talented player that should make the Canucks a better overall team. They didn’t have to give up all that much either which is great for them.

Both teams will move forward happy. The Flames finally got rid of this player that has somewhat become a distraction for them and the Canucks are getting a good player that will help them keep the momentum going.