Insider identifies an underrated Leafs prospect who may interest the Flames in a Zadorov trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the main suitors for his services and with how this season has started, a trade has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Timothy Liljegren andnConor Timmins remain injured, John Klingberg has struggled mightily, Mark Giordano is playing more than most anticipated, and the Leafs have had to rely on the likes of Simon Benoit and William Lagesson maybe a bit more than they would have liked this early in the season.

Zadorov will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and carries a cap hit of $3.75 million. Many are trying to piece together trade packages that would be good enough to land the 6'6 behemoth and one analyst believes that one piece that may interest Calgary is currently situated in Toronto's farm team, the Toronto Marlies.

Eric Francis of Sportsnet tweeted out that someone the Flames could be interested in and someone who could help move this deal further along would be Nick Abruzzese. The 24-year-old was drafted in the 4th round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and in his first year with the Marlies last year, scored 16 goals and 48 points in 69 games.

He's continued that strong run of play into 2023-24 as he currently has 11 points through 12 games and was just named AHL player of the week with 2 goals and 5 assists through 3 games.

I'm sure other pieces would have to be involved, but the Flames aren't in a position of power, as the other NHL GMs know that Zadorov wants out and that the Flames will lose him for nothing at the end of the season. Abruzzese and and an additional piece or two would be a good starting point in trade negotiations, especially when you consider Abruzzese's connection to Flames prospect Matthew Coronato, as the two played on a line together in the NCAA just a few short seasons ago and showed tremendous chemistry with one another.