Zadorov addressed the media today in Calgary. Ironically, his first game with the Canucks will be against his former club so he has not had to travel just yet. When addressing the media, he disclosed his simple reason for requesting a trade.
The trade request came as a surprise to many given that Zadorov said he would like to be a Flame for life as early as last offseason. Apparently, he took the lack of a contract offer either personally, or as a sign that the team might not want him long-term. After all, it seems as though the Flames may be going in the rebuild direction.
The trade was announced on Thursday, ending the Zadorov saga in Calgary. The Canucks were the winners in the Zadorov sweepstakes as they agreed to send their own 3rd round pick in 2026 as well as a conditional 5th-round pick in 2024 back to Calgary in exchange for the 6'6" defenseman.
The Canucks have been surprisingly good this year although they have cooled off recently after facing some tough competition. Zadorov should help shore up their back end while also providing some much-needed physical presence that was largely absent prior to his acquisition. The Canucks play the Flames tonight at 7 PM Pacific time.
