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Latest report brings the Leafs one step closer to signing Zadorov

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Ryan Smitheram
June 14, 2024 (6:10 PM)

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Zadorov is likely going to the free agent market on July first

Photo credit: BOB FRID-USA TODAY SPORTS

Elliotte Friedman revealled that Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov is expected to hit the free agent market giving the Leafs the opportunity to sign him.

After failing to acquire him during the regular season, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving appears to getting a second chance at bringing Zadorov to the Leafs. On today's '32 Thoughts' podcast, Elliotte Friedman revealed that it is unlikely that Zadorov re-signs with the Canucks and that we should have an answer in the coming days.

"I think we're going to know in the next few days if there's any hope in Zadorov. Like I said it appears unlikely, but someone reached out to me and said that's not over yet. I would say the odds are less than fifty percent but someone reached out to me and said it's not over yet. They told me it might be over soon, but it's not over yet."

Long-time Canucks analyst and reporter Rick Dhaliwal confirmed Friedman's report on his radio show this afternoon stating that the Canucks are prepping to give Zadorov one final offer over the weekend.

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"A final offer is coming to Zadorov soon. The player and his agent Dan Milstein would love to re-sign in Vancouver. This is strictly about money. It's a tough contract to do because he's going to get a big raise and he's going to want term...He's left-handed. If he was right-handed, I'm telling you he would have been signed months ago."

The 29-year-old hulking defenseman was acquired by Treliving in 2021 from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange, ironically, for a third-round pick that belonged to the Leafs. With reports indicating that he will be seeking a deal for 6 years and around $6M per season, Dhaliwal believes it is too rich for the Canucks, but a team, like the Leafs will certainly present him with such an offer.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Buyout candidate could look to rebuild his street cred in Toronto

Why the Leafs need to stay away from Corey Perry in free agency

Maple Leafs leaning towards drafting heavy-hitting defenseman Stian Solberg?

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14 JUIN \| 335 ANSWERS Latest report brings the Leafs one step closer to signing Zadorov Is 6x$6M too much for Nikita Zadorov?
Yes	213	63.6 %
No	122	36.4 %
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