Canucks Rumors: Insider Makes Prediction On Situation With Nikita Zadorov

With the regular season coming to a close, defenseman Nikita Zadorov's contract extension will loom large on the Vancouver Canucks' offseason agenda.

With Zadorov nearing the end of his current deal, set at an average annual value of $3.75 million, speculation abounds about his future with the team.

However, insider Frank Seravalli casts doubt on the likelihood of Zadorov remaining in Vancouver, citing potential financial constraints and the team's priorities in re-signing key players like Filip Hronek.

.@frank_seravalli on why Hronek at $8M is not an overpayment for the #Canucks with the cap going up:

“Demko is here, I know the coaching change…the roster has changed…the Canucks had an engine and to me, Hronek was the jet fuel that allowed them to take off…$8 million in… pic.twitter.com/73GV0KOofc
— Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) March 24, 2024

Seravalli's insights suggest that the Canucks may not be willing to meet Zadorov's reported asking price of around $5 million annually for his next contract.

This disparity in financial expectations could prove to be a significant hurdle in negotiations, especially if the Canucks opt to allocate their resources towards securing the services of other vital players.

While Zadorov's physical presence and defensive contributions have been noted during his tenure with the Canucks, it appears that the team may be leaning towards parting ways with him in the offseason.

Nikita Zadorov turns the puck over and then takes a penalty. Not his finest moment...#Canucks | #TexasHockey
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/ubUobO803X
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) March 29, 2024

This season, the 28-year-old has scored five goals, 12 total points, a +8 plus/minus rating, 44 blocked shots and 103 hits across 46 games played since being dealt to the Canucks.

While his potential departure could leave a void in the team's defensive lineup, the financial realities and strategic priorities facing the Canucks suggest that a contract extension for Zadorov may not be in the cards. Photo Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports