Leafs Player Tries To Recruit Nikita Zadorov Midgame

NHL insider Kevin Weeks confirmed on Saturday that the big Flames defenseman has in fact requested a trade from the team.

Insider Elliotte Friedman corroborated the news, while also stating why fans should not necessarily expect a trade immediately. He noted that whenever a trade request goes public, the team he plays for loses leverage in negotiations so the Flames will want to create a bidding war to boost Zadorov's value if possible.

The Leafs have been confirmed by multiple NHL insiders including Kevin Weekes to be actively involved in trade negotiations with the Flames for the defenseman. However, multiple other unnamed teams have also been involved, possibly including the Canucks, who have been rumored, but not confirmed to be involved.

The effort to bring Zadorov to Toronto apparently goes beyond the front office as one Leafs player reportedly told him that he is, "Exactly what we need."

Zadorov has a goal and four assists through 13 games with the Flames this year while averaging just over 18 minutes of ice time per game.

As seen on Leafs player tells Zadorov mid-game, «You're EXACTLY what we need!