The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman has struggled through his first 13 games of the season. Head coach Sheldon Keefe says the player is injured and working through some things. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Calgary Flames 5-4 in a shootout on Friday and following the game came news that Calgary defenseman Nikita Zadorov, through his agent, Dan Milstein, has requested a trade. Zadorov threw the biggest hit of the night on Friday when he caught Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi with a big open-ice hit. Shortly afterwards, Milstein posted about saying 'Here comes Zadorov trade... get your #LeafsForever tickets today." The Maple Leafs could certainly use some added help on defense and there is an established history with the Flames, having served as their GM up until last season. What's not clear is if Toronto is actually in the picture or if this is Milstein merely trying to drum up pressure. TSN's Pierre Lebrun backed Kevin Weekes' report that Zadorov has requested a trade. The 28-year-old Zadorov has a goal and four assists in 12 games this season. He's in the final year of a two-year deal that carries an average annual value of $3.75 million and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Drafted in the first round (16th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL Draft, there are likely to be many suitors. Do the Maple Leafs have the assets in a trade to acquire the 6-foot-6 defender? The Leafs are currently without defenseman Timothy Lilejgren (groin) and Conor Timmins (lower-body), Toronto's biggest defensive acquisition in the off-season, — John Klingberg — has struggled defensively this season. Sheldon Keefe said earlier on Friday that the defenseman is injured and did not play against the Flames. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related 'I Usually Like To Give Myself Enough Time To Get To The Rink': Auston Matthews Playfully Teases William Nylander's TTC Subway Commute [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/i-usually-like-to-give-myself-enough-time-to-get-to-the-rink-auston-matthews-playfully-teases-william-nylanders-ttc-subway-commute] Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe Says John Klingberg is Injured and Won't Play Against Flames [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-head-coach-sheldon-keefe-says-john-klingberg-is-injured-and-wont-play-against-flames] John Klingberg Out With Injury, Jake McCabe Returns For Maple Leafs vs. Flames, Lineups, Where to Watch [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/game-day/john-klingberg-out-with-injury-jake-mccabe-returns-for-maple-leafs-vs-flames-lineups-where-to-watch] News from THN.com ‘Flower’ Watch: Fleury Stalking Roy for No. 2 Spot in All-Time NHL Goalie Wins [https://thehockeynews.com/news/flower-watch-fleury-stalking-roy-for-no-2-spot-in-all-time-nhl-goalie-wins] Patrick Kane Rumors Resume Over Potential Landing Spots [https://thehockeynews.com/news/patrick-kane-rumors-resume-over-potential-landing-spots] L.A. Kings and Anaheim Ducks Heat Up Hockey in California [https://thehockeynews.com/news/la-kings-and-anaheim-ducks-heat-up-hockey-in-california]
