[Trade] Flames trade Zadorov to Canucks for 24 5th and 26 3rd

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by Britflamesfan

So we give up a good serviceable player for a 3rd and a 5th. When you consider only 54% of 3rd picks get to play a single game in the NHL and only 34% of 5th round picks play a single game the chances of us picking up somebody who will turn out as good as big Z are pretty low. Poor trade in my books.

“Give up”
- the guy who asked to be traded, and who wants more money and term than the team is interested in paying. So, serviceable at a contract that hurts the club… “give up”.

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by VilleN

It's a very similar return to what we paid for him. Can someone explain how this makes it a "horrible return"? We netted a 5th round pick and cap space in the entirety of the exchange... not bad asset management to me... neutral at worst.

It's because all of our players are future hall of famers.


Jokes aside, Flames fans are as sentimental as they come and Zadarov was a fan favourite despite because 5th on our depth chart.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Britflamesfan

So we give up a good serviceable player for a 3rd and a 5th. When you consider only 54% of 3rd picks get to play a single game in the NHL and only 34% of 5th round picks play a single game the chances of us picking up somebody who will turn out as good as big Z are pretty low. Poor trade in my books.

What exactly were you expecting? Did you want another expiring player back in return? This was the best return for the Flames with so many players ready to graduate. We have the luxury of a lot of NHL-ready players on the Wranglers. Give me picks back all day long. Zadorov was not that special, in fact, he played worse post-trade request. Well, he got his wish and can get his fat contract elsewhere. Love the player, hate how it was handled.

[PepsiFree]

The fact that we even got a 3rd and a 5th for an overpaid third pairing defenceman without retaining a dime is pretty amazing.

[Badgers Nose]

He was 5th inline behind some very good players.

I’m not sure he is 5th on many destination teams.

He developed a lot since we acquired him.

As another post laid out, his stats don’t really say bottom pair guy. And his size, speed and willingness to defend team mates are something we don’t have anymore from a guy that can play that many minutes.

Both arguments are valid; return was fine and return was not enough. I don’t think it’s cut and dried at this point.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

The fact that we even got a 3rd and a 5th for an overpaid third pairing defenceman without retaining a dime is pretty amazing.

I wouldn’t say it’s amazing.

It’s an unspectacular return, but a good move - assuming Conroy does in fact make use of his cap retention spots/salary cap flexibility this season.

Quantity of picks is important, and those who are upset about one of the picks being in 2026 are just being impatient in my eyes. This looks like a trade with eyes focused on “tomorrow” and building through the draft - and I think that’s the absolute best path for this team (and this type of market).

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Conroy needs to drive a hard bargain if he's dealing with the Leafs considering the trade history between the organizations that is slanted in the Leafs direction. Time for the Flames to make out good on a trade with the Leafs. They need a defenseman more than the Flames need to deal with them. Tanev should fetch considerably more than Zadorov considering what he brings to the table. Personally I would ask for Knies and not back down as he's the type of player that fits into what the Flames are supposedly looking for. If the wizard isn't prepared to part with Knies, Conny should move on as there will be other teams with a lot of interest in Tanev as he's exactly the type of player you want in the playoffs.

I'm so confused by fans obsession with this. None of this is relevant or important to any trade Conroy makes with the Leafs or with any other team. Conroy needs to try and maximize value in all situations, data points about some trade Doug Reisbrough made 30+ years (nor should thoughts about a trade Sutter made 10+ years) ago should not be factored into Conroy's thought process, and if they are, he should be fired immediately.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I'm so confused by fans obsession with this. None of this is relevant or important to any trade Conroy makes with the Leafs or with any other team. Conroy needs to try and maximize value in all situations, data points about some trade Doug Reisbrough made 30+ years (nor should thoughts about a trade Sutter made 10+ years) ago should not be factored into Conroy's thought process, and if they are, he should be fired immediately.

Where did I say he shouldn't maximize value? My point was that he should ask high which I think you are agreeing with? Treliving has inside information on the organization and knows the roster as good as anyone. If Conroy isn't being extremely careful dealing with Treliving then he's not doing his job. This isn't just me saying this as it's been discussed on the Fan and Barnburner any dealings with his former boss.

[dustygoon]

Seems depth players like Zadorov and Beauvilier aren't worth much in trade value nor in play value.

In the future, if Conroy can restrain himself and construct a roster where we use younger/cheaper versions for depth, you either come into the year with cap flexibility or room to pay a top player. The blueline looked great last night without Z.

Paying 3rd pairing guys close to $4mm isn't necessary.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

Seems depth players like Zadorov and Beauvilier aren't worth much in trade value nor in play value.

In the future, if Conroy can restrain himself and construct a roster where we use younger/cheaper versions for depth, you either come into the year with cap flexibility or room to pay a top player. The blueline looked great last night without Z.

Paying 3rd pairing guys close to $4mm isn't necessary.

I think Zadorov is considered more than depth. The value the Flames received is largely due to not wanting to take any money back. Fair to assume other teams were willing to part with a 2nd round pick or good prospect for him if the Flames took a contract back.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Phaneuf_Phan

Hate me but I only speak the truth.

Ah, yes. When it comes to evaluating truth claims, this is the clincher for me every time. The sure sign of a good-faith actor with well thought out and measured opinions is always the self-promotion of "Everyone else but me is lying."

I'm convinced.

[Strange Brew]

I might be guilty of overvaluing Zadorov. He was 5th on the depth chart on a team closer to the bottom of the standings than the top.

Still it's clear there was demand for him and little doubt he would have returned more at the deadline. So really comes down to what the club does with this cap space in the short term.

[IamNotKenKing]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I think Zadorov is considered more than depth. The value the Flames received is largely due to not wanting to take any money back. Fair to assume other teams were willing to part with a 2nd round pick or good prospect for him if the Flames took a contract back.

It is not fair to assume that, as it is contrary to what was actually said.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I think Zadorov is considered more than depth. The value the Flames received is largely due to not wanting to take any money back. Fair to assume other teams were willing to part with a 2nd round pick or good prospect for him if the Flames took a contract back.

I think if an actual good prospect was on the table they would have retained. Burning a retention spot to go from a 3rd to 2nd probably isn't worth losing the ability to do it on the other UFAs

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Bonded

I think if an actual good prospect was on the table they would have retained. Burning a retention spot to go from a 3rd to 2nd probably isn't worth losing the ability to do it on the other UFAs

Especially when Lindholm, Hanifin, and Tanev are all much better players and you can now ship them for a lower cap hit than the one Zadorov is making.

[SuperMatt18]

Feels like the return would have likely been something like a 2nd + 5th if they would have waited until the deadline, or had they retained cap now.

But in order to do the trade now, and to not have to retain, the best offer on the table was the 3rd + 5th.

For whatever reason Conroy thought making the trade now (extra cap space, more flexibility) outweighed the difference of value between a 3rd and 2nd round pick.

Personally I would have held on and waited, especially with a division rival being the trade partner, but I also don't have full picture of the discussions the Flames are having.

To me the trade is still underwhelming because in the big picture I think the player would have had more value at the deadline, but also I do expect this was the best return they could have gotten on Nov.30th without retaining salary.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Feels like the return would have likely been something like a 2nd + 5th if they would have waited until the deadline, or had they retained cap now.

But in order to do the trade now, and to not have to retain, the best offer on the table was the 3rd + 5th.

For whatever reason Conroy thought making the trade now (extra cap space, more flexibility) outweighed the difference of value between a 3rd and 2nd round pick.

Personally I would have held on and waited, especially with a division rival being the trade partner, but I also don't have full picture of the discussions the Flames are having.

To me the trade is still underwhelming because in the big picture I think the player would have had more value at the deadline, but also I do expect this was the best return they could have gotten on Nov.30th without retaining salary.

I am too lazy to pull it together but the Flames had 3 UFA dmen to trade and maybe they are worried the market will be flooded with other dmen come deadline. Get the least valuable one out of the way.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Bonded

I think if an actual good prospect was on the table they would have retained. Burning a retention spot to go from a 3rd to 2nd probably isn't worth losing the ability to do it on the other UFAs

It's really hard to say as they are likely looking at bigger and better things involving a Lindholm/Hanafin trade if it comes to retaining salary or taking a contract back. Looks like this deal was made as a springboard to the next dominos. It's the issue with having so many pending UFA's in one year on the market.

[Robbob]

Cap space is king right now. Look at the trades that don't involve players go the other way.

Zadorov - 3rd and 5th - 3.75M cap
Beauvillier - 5th - 4.1M cap
Bogosian - 7th - 850k cap
Lafferty - 5th - 1.1M cap
Lyubushkin - 4th - 2.75M cap (done before season)

[TOfan]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Conroy needs to drive a hard bargain if he's dealing with the Leafs considering the trade history between the organizations that is slanted in the Leafs direction. Time for the Flames to make out good on a trade with the Leafs. They need a defenseman more than the Flames need to deal with them. Tanev should fetch considerably more than Zadorov considering what he brings to the table. Personally I would ask for Knies and not back down as he's the type of player that fits into what the Flames are supposedly looking for. If the wizard isn't prepared to part with Knies, Conny should move on as there will be other teams with a lot of interest in Tanev as he's exactly the type of player you want in the playoffs.

Conroy should drive a hard bargain with any team he deals with. This irrational fear, or need to ‘win’ a trade with the Leafs shouldn’t prevent Conroy from dealing with them as he would with any team in the league. I sure hope the lingering effects of a trade made between the Leafs and the Flames made 30 years ago, or another made 13 years ago only exists in the fans psyche opposed to Conroy’s.

Whether the deal includes Knies, or not, Conroy should make the best deal he can regardless of who the team is or what happened 10 years ago, or 20 years ago, or 80 years ago.