20 Jan 2022 00:06:58
To OTT: LD/RD-Nikita Zadorov @3.75/UFA2022
To CGY: LD-Dillon Heatherington @750k/UFA2022 + 3rd RD Pick-VAN

Option: Ottawa sends Nick Paul instead of VAN's 3rd Round Pick, but takes either Tyler Pitlick or Brad Richardson (if Sutter okays it) back too.

20 Jan 2022 02:19:53
Why does Ottawa do it.

20 Jan 2022 03:41:39
Zadorov is a Big 6’6 235lb Former 16th Overall Pick and Ottawa is short on NHL Ready LD’s.

Currently they’re using a 23 year old RD Prospect = Brannstrom for their 3rd Pairing LD and a 21 year old Rookie in Bernard-Docker with only 11 games under his belt on the 1st Pairing since Zaitsev is injured. Both healthy scratch’s = Mete is small and Heatherington doesn’t have near as much NHL experience and they don’t have any other Prospects ready, so Zadorov fits the bill and should appeal to them.

They like Russian D-Men and would likely sign Zadorov to a mid-to-long term contract if he does well there this year. Only really cost them a 3rd for a Top-4 D-Man + Heatherington, which they signed as a FA.

20 Jan 2022 04:05:07
If they don’t want to pay the 3rd (they have 3 of them), then send UFA Nick Paul instead if they’re not planning to re-sign him for Pitlick, who may do better there or they’re free of him after the season = little risk.

20 Jan 2022 12:45:07
Sens are out of playoff picture. If they want Zadorov they can just pay him next summer. I don’t see the point in giving up assets for him now just to help the flames out.

20 Jan 2022 20:00:52
You're not wrong, but my view is it's a 3rd OR UFA Nick Paul + UFA Heatherington = not much to see if Zadorov is a fit and to try and charm him in to a Team Friendly contract. Waiting till Free Agency will create competition and could drive up the price on Zadorov.

Zadorov is likely tired of bouncing around at this point in his career, so is probably looking for a long-term NHL stay. He might feel more comfortable and play better with two other Russian D-Men too, so I think Ottawa would appeal to him where he would likely be slotted on the 2nd D-Pairing with Zub or Zaitsev. Ottawa paying something to show they value him, could go a long way as well. If not, he may just go back to Russia and play in the KHL.