The Vancouver Canucks have won the Nikita Zadorov sweepstakes. The Canucks have acquired the 6-foot-6 defenceman from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick (from Chicago) and a 2026 third-round pick.

Several teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and New York Islanders were heavily linked to Zadorov, but Vancouver is officially the lucky club to land him.

When the Canucks traded away Anthony Beauvillier to the Blackhawks and freed up $4.15 million cap space, it was a prime indicator that they would be adding to their blue line. Zadorov was the biggest name on their radar, and now the move has come to fruition.

With the Canucks dealing with some injury trouble on their blue line, it is quite possible that Zadorov will get top-four minutes upon his arrival. At worst, he will be a very serviceable bottom-pairing defenceman on their roster. With that, he should be a nice addition to their penalty kill because of his sound play in his own zone and high IQ.

Zadorov has appeared in 21 games this season, where he has one goal, five assists, and 41 hits. Although he has seen a slight dip in offence this season, he has still made a big impact with his physicality. This is something that the Canucks will certainly benefit from.

Overall, it is hard to find much to complain about with this trade for the Canucks. They landed him for a low price, and he should be a big part of their group moving forward.

How do you feel about this move?

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