Flames keep Zadorov on two-year deal

The Calgary Flames were at least able to keep one player from running away, as they agreed to terms with defenseman Nikita Zadorov on a two-year, $7.5 million.

The deal carries an average annual value of $3.75 million.

The news comes in the aftermath of Johnny Gaudreau’s shocking decision to take his hockey talents to the United States. But that wasn’t the ultimate kicker. The 28-year-old instead opted to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets on a seven-year, $68.25 million, bypassing offers to join the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders.

But the Flames managed to retain some familiarity on the bench by inking Zadorov, who is tied to Calgary through the 2023-24 season.

The 27-year-old racked up four goals and 18 assists for 22 points in 74 games with the Flames. But Zadorov has really honed his skills as a shutdown defender under the help of reigning Jack Adams and two-time Stanley Cup winning head coach Darryl Sutter, who is in the midst of his second stint as the man in charge in Calgary.

With his ability to play on both ends of the ice, the Flames kept Zadorov at a very team-friendly price. And for a team that is reeling after losing a key player and could potentially lose another in Matthew Tkachuk, the salary cap era has once again exemplified that asset management is truly an art, particularly in the NHL.

The Flames have had a rough go of it to start the offseason, but Zadorov returning may emanate a few smiles across the plateau.

Stanley Cup Aspirations Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

The boys are back after a long break but have plenty to talk about as the playoffs are in full swing. We go series by series, looking at how teams have fared so far and who will come out on top. Thanks for listening! Please rate and review our show on your favorite listening platform. Check out our partner's website at www.insidetherink.com for all your latest hockey news.
  1. Stanley Cup Aspirations
  2. The Final Countdown
  3. Here Come the Playoffs
  4. Home Stretch
  5. Kevy Cooks

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Ryan O'Hara

Award-winning sportswriter from Denver, Colorado.

Leave a Reply

Tanner Jeannot of the Los Angeles Kings

Player Profile: Tanner Jeannot

Tanner Jeannot was born on May 29, 1997, in Estevan, Saskatchewan. The left-shooting forward played for three seasons with the Estevan Bruins from 2010-13. In his first two seasons with the U15 club, Jeannot scored 29 goals and collected 18 assists in 42 games and five goals and three assists in ten postseason games. Jeannot […]

Read More
Gage Goncalves of the Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning Make Significant Player Signings To Start July

As free agency has started in the National Hockey League, many teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, are making significant roster moves with free agents and player extensions. Just yesterday, July 1, for day one of free agency, the Lightning extended young 24-year-old Portuguese forward Gage Goncalves to a two-year contract worth $1.2 million a […]

Read More
William Moore 2025 Draft Profile

Breaking Down Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney’s Draft

Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney has been in his position for ten years now and has seen success with one Stanley Cup Finals appearance and one historic regular season. This past season was the first time since 2016 that the Bruins failed to make the playoffs. Sweeney has added pieces to the prior core […]

Read More