Report: Nikita Zadorov rejected extension from Canucks

It appears as though Russian defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who played this most recent season with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, is heading toward free agency. 

Zadorov, whom the Canucks acquired from the Flames in late November in exchange for a 2024 fifth round and 2026 third-round draft pick, reportedly rejected a contract offer that would keep him in Vancouver long term: 

Earlier in the month, Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal opined that Zadorov "priced himself out" of an extension with the Canucks. 

"I believe Zadorov may have priced himself out of Vancouver. The city, the fans are loving him. I believe he might have priced himself out... we'll see. He's looking for term, some say over $5 million, some say over $6 million. Myers, he wants to come back to the Canucks. Can the Canucks get him in the $3 million range? Or... can he get $4 million plus on the open market. The Canucks cannot lose both Zadorov and Myers."

Meanwhile, Zadorov had no problem praising his new surroundings in Vancouver while also saying his family loves it.

"It’s been unbelievable, I feel like the whole city wrapped around the team during the playoffs," he said. "It was fun to see. My kid’s going to school here. My family loves it here. It’s been just an awesome time like just enjoying it every single day for sure."

In the 54 games that Zadorov played following the trade, he scored five goals with nine assists, and he added another four goals and four assists in 13 postseason games. 

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