Zadorov ready for new challenge in Calgary

On the opening day of free agency, the Chicago Blackhawks traded then-RFA defenceman Nikita Zadorov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for a third round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. About three weeks after the trade, Zadorov agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $3.75 million.

Yesterday, Zadorov spoke with Eric Francis of Sportsnet to say that he's ready for the challenge that comes with playing in a Canadian market.

"I played junior in Canada and it was super exciting -- playing in London, probably one the best places for junior hockey in the world," Zadorov said. "I saw how you guys love hockey, how you are about hockey and pretty much everything is hockey here. It's definitely exciting."

He added, "People who say they don't like to play in Canada don't like the pressure. But I feel there's pressure in every hockey city maybe not if you are in Arizona or something."

The Moscow, Russia native will likely slot right into the Flames top-four, and will play a big shutdown role formerly occupied by captain Mark Giordano, who was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft.

Zadorov, 26, spent last season with the Blackhawks after being traded from Colorado in October 2020. In 55 games with Chicago, he recorded eight points (one goal, seven assists), 36 penalty minutes, and was a +1.

Nikita Zadorov is both a big defenceman and a big personality. Now he's embracing it having more eyes on him in a Canadian market.@EricFrancis has more from Flames training camp.https://t.co/4UmmHYaHtL— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 26, 2021

Source: Sportsnet

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