Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin is set for a busy six to eight weeks ahead with the NHL Entry Draft and free agency beginning.
In addition, Allvin and his management group have their own free agents that they'd like to sign if possible, including defenceman Nikita Zadorov.
Since arriving in Vancouver, Zadorov has been a menace to play against. He's strong defensively and able to chip in offensively, especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. These are the types of players you need to hoist the greatest trophy in sports.
Last week, it was revealed that the Canucks and Zadorov's camp would be sitting down to see if they could agree on a new deal. While nothing has been done yet, it appears that a contract has been offered to Nikita Zadorov, but it's reportedly been turned down.
According to Irfaan Gaffar, the Vancouver Canucks offered Nikita Zadorov a four or five-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million, but it was turned down.
"Interesting tidbit from Irf in this @RinkWideVAN episode:
The #Canucks reportedly tabled an offer for $4.5M for 4 or 5 years to Nikita Zadorov's camp, which was rejected.
Both camps are interested in getting a deal done, so we'll see where it goes from here."
Zadorov and his camp are reportedly prioritizing term over money on his next contract, but if he's not willing to accept a four—or five-year contract, what exactly could he be looking for? Given his age (29), a seven—or eight-year contract should be out of the question.
It'll be interesting to see where the next stage of negotiations leads and if both sides can agree on a deal that will keep the rugged defenceman in Vancouver.
