The Canucks will need to find a way to get a deal done with Nikita Zadorov. It's common knowledge that he rejected the team's first offer, but according to a recent interview, Zadorov isn't planning on leaving.
The big man loves the city, the city and the team loves the big man. After the Canucks acquired his services, everybody was well aware that there was a possibility he might be headed to free agency. The latest reports confirmed that the two parties hadn't been in communications, but Zadorov and his party laid it all on the Canucks' table. They intend on remaining with the Canucks, as long as they can meet their terms.
Zadorov gave an interview to Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre and addressed his current contractual situation:
Zadorov has been moving with his wife and two girls for the last few years, but according to him, his wife and kids loved their time in Van City. Knowing that families often play a very prominent role in the player's decision-making processes, there's a strong possibility that Big Z pushes harder to make Vancouver his permanent home.
The Canucks currently have two defensemen under contract for the upcoming campaign, Quinn Hughes, Noah Juulsen and the rights to Filip Hronek. Adding Nikita Zadorov would most certainly contribute to helping the team get back to their 2023-2024 glory.
