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New Details Emerge on Why Nikita Zadorov Didn't Sign with the Vancouver Canucks & It's Leaving Fans Stunned
Photo credit: Thehockeywriters.com
Jim Rutherford has now made it clear he isn't one to hold back, and in his latest comments, the Canucks president revealed some very intriguing details about Nikita Zadorov's departure from the Vancouver Canucks to the Boston Bruins this offseason.
According to Rutherford, Vancouver made multiple attempts to keep the big defenseman, only for Zadorov to move the goalposts each time-before ultimately signing the same deal in Boston.
It all started with Rick Tocchet asking Zadorov what it would take to stay in Vancouver. The response? $5 million per year. Easy enough-the Canucks met the ask.
But then Zadorov came back and said he needed six years. Again, Vancouver agreed. Then, despite all that negotiating, Zadorov walked and inked a deal with the Bruins on the exact same terms.
«Same process, we said okay. So twice in that process he gave me that one more thing and I'll stay and then we give it to him and then he goes to Boston,»
Rutherford explained, making it clear that the Canucks felt like they were used as leverage.
From Vancouver's perspective, losing Zadorov stung, but it hasn't turned out to be a devastating blow.
The 6'6" blueliner was a great fit with the Canucks during his short tenure, providing physicality and defensive stability.
However, his start in Boston has been underwhelming, raising questions about whether he was worth the long-term commitment.
While Canucks fans might be annoyed by the way this played out, the team ultimately didn't lose a cornerstone piece. Rutherford's revelation provides more insight into how these contract negotiations can play out behind the scenes.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 29 | 300 ANSWERS New Details Emerge on Why Nikita Zadorov Didn't Sign with the Vancouver Canucks & It's Leaving Fans Stunned Do you believe the way Nikita Zadorov departed Vancouver was disrespectful or just smart business after hearing this? | ||
| Disrespectful | 169 | 56.3 % |
| Smart Business | 131 | 43.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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