The Calgary Flames have themselves a new left shot defender, friends. According to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, via Elliotte Friedman, the Flames have acquired defenseman Nikita Zadorov from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Toronto’s 2022 third round pick (previously acquired in the David Rittich trade).
Zadorov, 26, was a first round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft – y’know, the one the Flames keep collecting players from. He’s a restricted free agent. He’s a left shooting defenseman who is pretty decent defensively, but doesn’t produce much offense. His peak NHL production was 20 points.
If the idea is to replace Mark Giordano’s offense, this won’t work. If the idea is to find someone defensively-oriented so there’s a stylistic match with Rasmus Andersson, this might actually work. Of course, this all depends on chemistry, and what kind of deal Zadorov signs with the club.
In 411 NHL games with Buffalo, Colorado and Chicago, Zadorov has 83 points. His last deal carried a $3.2 million cap hit.