Vancouver Canucks On The Verge Of Making Another Massive Trade

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Hunter Bowman
November 29, 2023 (12:41)

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On Tuesday evening, the Vancouver Canucks made headlines by sending forward Anthony Beauvillier packing to the Chicago Blackhawks, securing in return a conditional 2024 fifth-round pick. The upcoming unrestricted free agency status adds an intriguing layer to Beauvillier's move.

According to Kevin Weekes, the Canucks, having skillfully shed Beauvillier's $4.15 million cap hit for this season, might not be closing the transaction book just yet. Weekes suggests that the team is now in the mix of those eyeing Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov, a player who has been circulating in trade talks for the past few weeks.

Zadorov raised eyebrows recently by requesting a trade, a surprising turn following considerations of a contract extension. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has noted the Canucks' interest in acquiring Zadorov after the Russian defenseman expressed a desire to part ways. Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK-TV goes as far as labeling Zadorov as Vancouver's

"No. 1 target."

However, the prospect of the Flames engaging in trade discussions with a division rival, particularly the Canucks, might not sit well. This sentiment extends to all their defensemen, Zadorov included, who carries a $3.75 million cap hit expiring this summer.

Despite potential hurdles, there's a chance Zadorov's agent, Dan Milstein, could entertain discussions with Vancouver, given his representation of Canucks forwards Andrei Kuzmenko and Ilya Mikheyev.

Currently holding the second spot in the Pacific Division with a solid 15-7-1 record, Vancouver's allure might extend to Zadorov. Flames GM Craig Conroy previously expressed no urgency in moving Zadorov or any pending free agent defensemen, but the rumor mill suggests this is one story worth monitoring closely.