Comparable for Zadorov extension identified: Seeking massive pay raise

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and whether he hits the open market or stays in British Columbia, he's reportedly seeking a pay raise.

During Tuesday's edition of Sekeres and Price, Frank Seravalli says that he believes that the Canucks will be unlikely to afford to re-sign Nikita Zadorov this summer, with his cap hit projected to be a tad over $5.1 million.

Seravalli went on to say that he thinks Zadorov and his camp will look at the market and say that he's a more mobile version of Erik Gudbranson, who earned a four-year deal at $4 million AAV from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.




Zadorov, 28, was traded to the Vancouver Canucks by the Calgary Flames back in late November for a pair of draft picks - a third rounder in 2026 and a fifth rounder in 2024.

So far, Zadorov has adapted well to playing in Rick Tocchet's system and will be a valuable piece for the Canucks over the next several weeks and into the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The role he can play for a playoff contending team will intriguing teams this summer and could drive him the price he's seeking per year. It's going to be interesting to see if Patrik Allvin and the Canucks find a way to get a deal done with Zadorov before he becomes a UFA on July 1st.

In 45 games with the Vancouver Canucks since the trade, the Moscow native has 12 points (five goals, seven assists), 75 penalty minutes and is a plus-eight.

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