Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 12, 2023
Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 12, 2023
Check out the latest Nikita Zadorov trade rumors plus some recent Oilers speculation in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
THE LATEST ON ZADOROV
CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Nikita Zadorov addressed the reports that he had requested a trade from the Flames through his agent Dan Milstein. “We have been discussing it,” said the 28-year-old defenseman. “I cannot really say a lot of stuff.”
Zadorov reiterated his love of playing for the Flames and the city of Calgary. “But the business side, sometimes stuff happens, you know? My agent has to protect me at some points, for sure”.
Gilbertson cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressing his belief that Flames management has made it clear to Zadorov that they would be willing to move him. However, it will be on their timetable.
That means Zadorov could be on their roster for a while, perhaps until the March 8 trade deadline. Gilbertson expects Flames general manager Craig Conroy should receive plenty of calls about the big blueliner, pointing out that he’s already been linked to “Toronto, Vancouver and New Jersey”.
Zadorov currently skates on the Flames’ third defense pairing. He believes he deserves a bigger role but said the coaches are controlling how much ice time he gets. He also acknowledged that some of his teammates might be miffed by his trade request but he hopes they’ll understand one day.
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox reported the Canucks and Maple Leafs are willing to trade for Zadorov and the rearguard (who lacks a no-trade clause) is open to joining either club. The market for him could be competitive, providing an opportunity for the Flames to land a decent return.
Fox wondered if the Leafs would be willing to part with young forward Nick Robertson or their 2024 first-round pick even though they lack a second-rounder. Perhaps the Flames would take on John Klingberg’s contract with enough of a sweetener.
Meanwhile, the cap-strapped Canucks also hold a first-rounder but lack a second in next year’s draft. Fox wondered if they might be able to offload winger Conor Garland.
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston also cited Friedman noting that the Canucks are among the clubs with an interest in Zadorov. A source told Johnston that they were looking into trading for him this summer before signing free agent Carson Soucy.
Johnston wondered who Zadorov might replace if the Canucks acquired him. He’s not going in for Quinn Hughes, Ian Cole or Soucy on the left side, though Cole and Soucy have skated on the right side.
Mark Friedman has been a quiet surprise for the Canucks since they picked him up from the Pittsburgh Penguins last month. Perhaps he might replace Tyler Myers, who the Canucks have explored trading over the past couple of years.
TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby noted there remains a cordial relationship between Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and his former club in Calgary. However, acquiring Zadorov could prove easier said than done.
The Leafs lack any attractive roster players that they can spare. They might also be hesitant to risk their young prospects plus they’ve already traded away five of their first 12 draft picks over the next three drafts with no second-rounders in any of them. The Leafs also haven’t accrued enough cap space yet to take on Zadorov’s $3.75 million cap hit.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman also noted that Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev have also drawn attention. Like Zadorov, the Flames defensemen are eligible to become unrestricted free agents in July.
Friedman said Toronto and Vancouver are believed to be among the teams with an interest in Tanev and Zadorov “if not both.” Meanwhile, the Arizona Coyotes “took a long look” at Hanifin this week. He thinks Zadorov’s availability has brought other teams into the mix but there’s nothing imminent.
As always, salary cap space and depth in tradeable assets are the determining factors here. Friedman was asked if the Ottawa Senators would be interested in Zadorov but he noted they lack the cap room to do so.
The Devils could have the advantage in terms of prospects and promising young players to draw on for trade bait if they wish. They still need to accrue some cap space to take on Zadorov but could still be better-positioned than the Canucks and Leafs, especially if the Flames were willing to retain some salary in the deal or take back a contract in return.
UPDATE ON THE OILERS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers remain in shock over how quickly things have fallen apart so far. He indicated that it’s not just the goaltending but also their poor defensive play and lack of offense.
They spent much of this week calling around the league trying to see what’s out there in the trade market. They made it very clear that they were not going to make a desperate deal but couldn’t find a reasonable deal as teams were willing to wait them out.
Friedman doesn’t believe the Oilers have given up on this season. However, something will have to change soon because they can’t keep going as they have.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could end up being a coaching change if no reasonable season-saving trades can be found. Head coach Jay Woodcroft is probably breathing a little easier today following his club’s 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. However, he could start feeling the heat again if the Oilers don’t soon string some wins together.
**UPDATE** The Oilers fired Woodcroft on Sunday, replacing him with former Hartford Wolfpack bench boss Kris Knoblauch.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Caleb Kerney noted there’s been a lot of talk linking the Oilers to Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. However, he feels they would be better off attempting to acquire Ilya Sorokin from the New York Islanders.
With Sorokin having a down year so far, Kerney believes this would be the best time to propose a trade to Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators general manager Barry Trotz said earlier this season that Saros isn’t going anywhere, adding that he’s looking into getting the ball rolling on contract extension talks next summer.
Sorokin may be having a “down year” by his standards through the early weeks of this season but Lamoriello isn’t trading his starting netminder. He signed Sorokin to an eight-year contract extension this summer.