Vancouver Canucks acquire Nikita Zadorov from Calgary Flames for draft picks

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced Thursday that the Canucks have acquired Russian defenseman Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, originally acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks, and a third-round pick in 2026.

The 28-year-old has registered six points in 21 games this season with the Flames while logging 18:24 minutes of ice time per game. Zadorov has racked up 41 hits and 19 blocked shots on the season.

The trade comes after weeks of rumors and speculation after Zadorov requested a trade from the Flames after a 5-4 shootout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was not long after that local hockey insider Rick Dhaliwal reported the Canucks were a team likely on Zadorov’s list.

The Flames originally acquired Zadorov from the Chicago Blackhawks prior to the 2021–22 season. The 6’6″ Moscow, Russia product has appeared in 588 career NHL games with the Flames, Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Buffalo Sabres, collecting 42 goals and 132 points; he’s added four goals and 11 points in 45 playoff contests.

Zadorov scored his first goal of the 2023–24 season in the loss to Toronto. He racked up a career-high 14 goals while averaging 18:41 in 82 games with the Flames in 2022–23.

He will join the Canucks immediately and could see action as soon as Saturday when the Canucks take on the Flames. The Canucks are currently second in the Pacific Division with a 15-7-1 record and 31 points, one point behind the leading and reigning Stanley Cup champions, Vegas Golden Knights.