Source: Nikita Zadorov Would Welcome Trade to Devils

The New Jersey Devils are in a bit of a predicament with their defense. After a developing situation on Friday night, they at least have an avenue to address it.

According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, Calgary Flames defenseman, Nikita Zadorov has requested a trade.

“Fresh off a goal and big hit tonight against the (Toronto Maple Leafs),  I’m told that (defenseman) Zadorov through his agent via (Gold Star Hockey) Dan Milstein has requested a trade from the (Calgary Flames),” Weekes tweeted Friday night.

A source close to Zadorov tells New Jersey Hockey Now that the 6-foot-6, 248 lb defenseman would welcome a trade to the Devils.

“Of course, (he’d go to New Jersey),” the source exclaimed. “Who wouldn’t want to be on a contender?”

The development stemmed from a Twitter interaction between Zadorov’s agent and a Flames fan on the social media platform. According to Zadorov’s agent, the Flames defenseman doesn’t appear interested in re-signing in Calgary as his minutes are diminishing.

Well, the Devils are having trouble keeping pucks out of their own net. They lost 4-2 on Friday night to the Washington Capitals who came into Friday second-worst in goals for per game across the entire NHL. Zadorov would certainly aid in New Jersey’s defensive woes.

Zadorov is in the final year of a two-year contract that pays him $3.75 million and doesn’t own any trade clauses. Currently, the Devils $1,193,478 in current cap space according to Puckpedia. It would take some salary-cap maneuvering, however, the numbers aren’t that far off.

The lines of communication between Calgary and New Jersey are open. General managers Craig Conroy and Tom Fitzgerald have already struck a deal swapping Yegor Sharangovich and Tyler Toffoli. It’s certainly possible the two GMs could help each other out once more.

There’s bound to be plenty of interest in Zadorov. If Fitzgerald is calling, he’s certainly not going to be the only one. We’ll see where this goes.

For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL