Contradicting reports were released earlier. Sportsnet writer Iain MacIntyre first broke the news that the Canucks had re-engaged in conversations with both Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. According to his report, talks had gained traction, and extensions were getting closer.
Moments later, Rick Dhaliwal addressed this particular report and confirmed that Zadorov and the Canucks had not been speaking. Dhaliwal, who's grown close to Zadorov's agent, confirmed they had not spoken. The insider added that the team hadn't even communicated with his agent to set up a meeting while they were all at the NHL Pre-Draft combine.
Zadorov's ask reportedly stands in the $30M range for the next five or six years. Are the Canucks not willing to commit that much money to the Russian d-man? Is re-signing Zadorov not among their top priorities? If they're waiting on answers from Elias Lindholm and Filip Hronek, they better not wait too long because if he walks to get to the open market, Big Z is undoubtedly getting his ask.
