Maple Leafs could take advantage of Flames mass exodus

New Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy, who took over the position after Brad Treliving was let go and subsequently landed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has his work cut out for him significantly. 

It's going to be an offseason of major upheaval for the franchise, who has already said goodbye to head coach Darryl Sutter after multiple reports of discontent from the players regarding his methods. Additionally, several top line players like Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund have all told the Flames that they do not plan on signing extensions with the team. 

Yesterday, the Flames swung a deal with the New Jersey Devils, sending Tyler Toffoli (who also indicated he had no interest in signing long term in Calgary) in exchange for Yegor Sharangovich and the 80th overall pick in the 2023 draft.

And now, it's looking as though the Toronto Maple Leafs could come calling for a key piece of the Flames roster. According to Elliotte Friedman, Treliving could look to acquire a defenseman that he brought to Calgary by the name of Nikita Zadorov.

"The other D I'm kind of wondering about is Zadorov," said Friedman. "I think Toronto is trying to remodel their D a bit; I could see Treliving wanting to get Zadorov in Toronto. I don't know if it happens, but I'm curious about him."

Zadorov was acquired by Treliving and the Flames in 2021 from the Chicago BLakhawks in exchange for a 2022 3rd round pick, and signed to subsequent one and then two year contract extensions. 

He's entering the final year of his deal that will see him earn $3.75 million this season. Last year with Calgary, he scored 14 goals with seven assists.

He's racked up 41 goals and 85 assists in 567 career NHL games with a plus/minus rating of +12.