Segment 3: Randy Sportak of THN's Calgary Flames site joins the show to discuss Friday's loss to the Maple Leafs, Saturday's matchup against the Senators, Jonathan Huberdeau's benching, and pending UFAs. Nikita Zadorov [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyMTg2NDI5Njg4NzE4NDA0/usatsi_21879498_168400847_lowres.jpg] Nikita Zadorov The NHL rumor mill was buzzing on Friday over reports that Nikita Zadorov requested a trade [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/news/flames-defenseman-nikita-zadorov-reportedly-has-asked-to-be-traded] through his agent from the Calgary Flames. Zadorov, 28, is slated to become a UFA next July. He all but confirmed the reports, but he didn't go into too much detail. The big defenseman said he loved playing for the Flames and the city of Calgary but cited the “business side” as the reason behind his request [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/news/zadorov-defends-his-agents-social-media-post-which-led-to-his-trade-demand-coming-to-light]. TSN's Chris Johnston [https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1723195883779453220] reported early Saturday morning that Zadorov would welcome a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs. His colleague Darren Dreger [https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/1723403347657474121] added the New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks also had “strong interest” in the Flames blueliner. Pierre LeBrun [https://twitter.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1723192119882317933] indicated the Zadorov camp was hoping for a quick resolution. However, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://kuklaskorner.com/kuklas-korner-hockey/video-saturday-headlines-5] felt the Flames had told the blueliner they might be willing to move him, but it would happen on their timetable. The Athletic's Julian McKenzie [https://theathletic.com/5053493/2023/11/11/flames-nikita-zadorov-trade-request/] wondered what type of asking price the Flames would set for Zadorov. Given their need to get younger and faster, he felt they would seek draft picks or a good young prospect. Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun [https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-make-some-changes-but-canucks-will-be-hard-to-beat] thinks it could be easier said than done for the Leafs to land Zadorov. He cited their lack of available assets, such as attractive roster players, their hesitance to trade their young prospects, their limited number of early picks through the next three drafts and their salary cap limitations. The same could be said for the Canucks. Meanwhile, the Devils have depth in promising young players and prospects to draw on for trade bait but would need time to accrue sufficient cap space [https://puckpedia.com/team/new-jersey-devils] to take on his $3.75-million salary. THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTg5MzM3NTA5NzY2MjUy/my-thn-ad-banner-1500x150.jpg] THN.com/free
