The Maple Leafs have this former Sabres defenseman at the top of their wishlist.
The Maple Leafs have this former Sabres defenseman at the top of their wishlist.
Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov is one of the most notable players who can hit the free-agent market on July 1. After a great postseason, the 6-foot-6 defender is gearing up for a big payday.
The Vancouver Canucks have not given up their pursuit to get Zadorov re-signed, so there is a chance that he will stay put. However, if the Canucks can't get a deal done with him, he will be one of the hottest commodities in free agency.
Zadorov is already on at least one club's radar, as Elliotte Friedman mentioned him as one of the defensemen the Toronto Maple Leafs are eyeing.
It is not shocking in the slightest that the Maple Leafs are expected to make a push for Zadorov this offseason. They were heavily linked to him before the Calgary Flames traded him to the Canucks this season. In addition, it is not a secret that the Maple Leafs' blueline needs a rugged top-four shutdown defenseman. Zadorov would give them that.
If the Maple Leafs signed Zadorov, he would be a clear option for their second pairing. In addition, he would immediately become one of their most crucial penalty killers because of his effective defensive ability.
Zadorov, 29, appeared in 75 regular-season games in 2023-24, recording six goals, 20 points, 125 penalty minutes, and 177 hits. He also picked up his offense during the playoffs, as he had four goals and eight points in 13 games.
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