Maple Leafs’ Potential Zadorov Trade Makes Klingberg Expendable

A lot happened during the game between the Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames, but there was one incident that made waves online after the game.
ESPN’s Kevin Weeks reports that Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov has requested trades through his agent, Dan Milstein.
They should have posted this video before the news broke.

The Maple Leafs are also believed to have inquired about the physical, tough defenseman as the team’s current GM Brad Treliving was at the helm of the Flames when they acquired him in 2021.
All of this fits with the teams’ interest suggests that the Maple Leafs are eyeing a potential target.
With their defense not being good, giving up 3.53 goals per game, defensive improvement was needed. In addition, some stability was required because John Klingberg’s experiment could have ended because it did not go as expected.
With interest in Zadorov, Klingberg could easily be replaced.
Klingberg’s problem is obvious.

The Maple Leafs signed Klingberg to a one-year deal, but have yet to see any benefits. You always want to give your players a chance to succeed, but we haven’t had a good result in 14 games.
Klingberg is a team-leading 5-for-5 against 14 shots and has the worst expected field goal percentage of all Maple Leafs defensemen at 42.03.
His worst performance was a 6-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators where he scored four goals on 5-on-5.
Here the error is fully displayed.
He is said to have been injured, which could explain his poor movement, but the lack of awareness still remains.
Overall, Klingberg made poor decisions and studied transitions in his own zone, especially during the rush defense.
It gives up too much time and space, and the puck carrier benefits from that.
Tackles are often missed and poor coverage in front of the net results in goals conceded.
That’s the only problem, but the fact that he looks lost and defenseless most of the time is even bigger.
Klingberg has always been known for his aggressive play.
His lack of production in the past has shown that he struggles with his strengths and highlights as well as defensively.
So he was brought in as an attacking factor from the back.
But five assists in 14 games isn’t enough, as they haven’t picked up a point since Game 6 against the Washington Capitals. Especially how he should dominate on the power play.

Considering he’s been a top-four defenseman his entire career, he hasn’t lived up to those expectations with the Maple Leafs.
He was a key producer early in his career, scoring 10 or more goals five times in his career, but that production has declined or been inconsistent.
This, combined with his glaring defensive issues, means his overall game is now at a crossroads.
When the Dallas Stars broke off negotiations, the team offered him a short-term contract, so he made a bet on himself.
Given his defensive issues and offensive consistency, he should continue to play. Puck movement and aggressive defensemen can be dangerous.
However, we are seeing some of the best players of this type paying attention to detail to improve their defense beyond what we have seen from Klingberg.
Zadorov brings power and physicality.

After their game against the Flames, the Maple Leafs’ chances of landing Zadorov increased dramatically.
If you look at what they need, he’s the type of defender they need.
He is a strong defensive player, but the Maple Leafs seem to lack underrated offense and scoring ability.
Except for Morgan Riley.
Zadorov scored 14 goals for the Flames last season, showing that he has good shooting ability and the ability to find the net.
His only goal of the season was a great shot against the Maple Leafs.
While he has a play written and a production ready to hit the stage, his chemistry and success with everyone shows that he can play with anyone.

Here are Zadorov’s main defensive partners with the Flames in 5v5 this season and their results: While the Flames have struggled to start the season, allowing 35 goals in 5-on-5 play, Zadorov has put up good numbers offensively when he’s on the ice, no matter who his defensive partner is.