During the 2023-24 season, the Maple Leafs were linked to pending UFA defenseman Nikita Zadorov, but some new information on his contract demands may pose a problem.
Zadorov and the Calgary Flames hit a crossroads in 2023-24, which ultimately led to the 6'6, 248-pound defenseman being shipped off to the Vancouver Canucks. The move has worked out pretty well for Vancouver, and with the Canucks currently battling for a spot in the Western Conference Finals, Zadorov's value has been boosted in a contract year.
There was some speculation this season that Zadorov's next contract may begin with a 4, but now, with his value reaching an all-time high, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli believes that Zadorov may be chasing a deal in the $6M AAV range over a 6-year term.
Whether or not Zadorov deserves that type of cash or term is certainly up for debate, but Seravalli was adamant that 6x$6M is a very "tall ask based on what he is", which is a #4 or #5 defenseman in Seravalli's eyes.
