Nikita Zadorov appears poised to test free agency on July 1st

The Maple Leafs are very focused on rebuilding their blueline this summer and with several intriguing potential candidates available on the open market, which now includes Nikita Zadorov, we could see a much bigger, stronger blueline in Toronto in 2024-25.

The news came down on Wednesday from Sharks and Canucks reporter Max Miller that Zadorov and the Canucks have not been discussing a new contract, which seems to indicate that the two sides do not see a fit moving forward.

The Canucks had originally acquired Zadorov from the Calgary Flames during the 2023-24 season, effectively ending the Leafs' pursuit of a tandem deal for both Zadorov and Chris Tanev in Calgary, which was a persistent rumour for several weeks before Zadorov landed in Vancouver.

The 6-foot-6, 248-pound behemoth produced 6 goals and 20 points split between Calgary and Vancouver this season, racking up 177 hits and an even 0 +/- rating.