Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov to test free agency

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The Vancouver Canucks will be in the market for a defenceman with Nikita Zadorov deciding to test the free agent market.

General manager Patrik Allvin spoke to reporters Friday ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft, saying the team made its best attempt to retain the defenceman but he has decided to go elsewhere.

Acquired from the Calgary Flames on Nov. 30, the 29-year-old was regarded as a rental-plus intended to deepen the Canucks’ defence and make them a bigger, tougher team for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

During the regular season, Zadorov averaged 17:26 time on ice and had six goals and 20 points in 75 games.

The six-foot-six Russian saw an increase in his role during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, contributing four goals, eight points and 45 hits while averaging 20:09 time on ice in 13 games.

“For me, the main focus is the term, for sure,” Zadorov told Sportsnet in a one-on-one interview last month. “I feel like I can play until 35 or 36 easily, on a high level. I think my body can do that. It’s not like I’m injury-prone. I feel like I can get to another level of leadership and hockey as well when I know I’m on this team (long-term). It’s just going to be easier mentally and physically as well, so I don’t have to move my family around.”