The real reason Nikita Zadorov left the Vancouver Canucks revealed: he felt disrespected by shocking offer
Details have emerged regarding why Nikita Zadorov decided to leave the Vancouver Canucks, and it appears he felt very disrespected by the organization.
This offseason, the Vancouver Canucks dealt away many faces following arguably one of their most successful seasons in team history based on points earned. Some names they moved included Elias Lindholm, Ian Cole, Sam Lafferty, Ilya Mikheyev, and even Casey DeSmith. Of course, perhaps one of the most significant pieces changing jerseys was in the form of fan-favorite defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Interestingly, it sounds like the Canucks were a lot closer than perhaps initially thought to retain Zadorov before, of course, it didn't pan out.
According to Rick Dhaliwal of Chek TV, appearing on Sportsnet 650's "Halford and Brough" show, a contract negotiation between Zadorov and the Canucks was a bit more complicated than perhaps first thought. Zadorov himself said in a podcast interview that while he wished to remain in Vancouver, discussions ultimately made him feel a little disrespected. He wished to stay, yet both sides couldn't come to terms, and he had to move along.
The Canucks had originally acquired Zadorov early in the 2023-24 season, moving a 2026 third-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick that belonged to the Chicago Blackhawks. The head coach of the Canucks, Rick Tocchet, along with general manager Patrik Allvin, weren't shy about saluting Zadorov not long after the trade was made, touting the physicality and what he brings to the team. On the ice, the Russian blueliner proved to be very valuable and quickly became a player the coaches relied upon.
In 54 games with Vancouver, Zadorov recorded 14 points with five goals and nine assists while adding 102 penalty minutes and 124 hits. He took it to another level in the playoffs, netting four goals and eight points in 13 games, ranking fifth on the team in points, while being noticeable on hits and blocked shots. The ruggedness in his play, the timely goals he scored, and his charismatic personality made him a cult figure among fans, and almost everyone wanted him to sign a long-term deal with the Canucks.
Still, despite mutual interest, Nikita Zadorov ultimately priced himself out of Vancouver's plans and signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Boston Bruins. At $5 million a year, his new deal was perhaps a little steep for what the Canucks could afford, but it was a well-deserved payday after becoming one of the more sought-after players. While the thought of Zadorov may be gone, his time in Vancouver will be well remembered by all the fans in the city.
