Rumour: Nikita Zadorov would like to stay in Calgary

According to our recent fan survey (which is still open if you’d like to submit your responses before I close it!), if the Flames could only/had to extend one of their pending UFAs, Nikita Zadorov is the overwhelming preference among fans. Taking 51.8 percent of responses (so far), the results aren’t particularly close. Behind Zadorov, the next closest player, Elias Lindholm, has collected only 16.5 percent of responses.

Fans also recognized Nikita Zadorov as their overall favourite Flame.

There’s a reason the headline of this article starts with “Rumour” and if you haven’t guessed it yet, it’s because the info here is just that – a rumour. Typically, I wouldn’t take information from an unknown source on Twitter/X and publish it here, but this particular account – @davedubbin85 (who we’ll call Dave) – tends to have insight worth reading.

According to Dave, Zadorov would like to stay in Calgary along with his family, but the Flames don’t appear interested in that – at least at this point in time. Here’s Dave’s tweet:

Can Flames fans take anything away from this update?

Assuming Dave’s insight is accurate, here’s what Flames fans can glean from his update:

• Zadorov wanting to remain in Calgary is positive. Whether the Flames choose to trade him, extend him, or walk him to free agency this summer, it’s refreshing to know a solid NHL player would like to remain a Flame. For the city, the market, and the direction of the team, this is a positive.
• The fact that Craig Conroy has elected not to extend (or express interest in extending) Zadorov is also a good thing. Patience is critical right now. They committed to Backlund early and until the Flames pick their direction, there’s no sense tying up more future cash in aging players. As much as I like Zadorov, I’d rather have the option to leverage him as an asset at the deadline if the Flames do take the rebuild (or “retool”) route.
• This update does not mean that Zadorov certainly will not remain in Calgary beyond this season. If the Flames choose to attempt to stay competitive this season, they may commit to some UFAs before the end of the season. Whether they pick the rebuild option or stay competitive, they can also re-sign Zadorov following the season before he hits the open market in July.

Thanks to Z for being a real one. He’s been a bright spot for the fans on and off the ice this season.