NHL Rumors: Top insider hints Maple Leafs might look at Canucks' Nikita Zadorov amid Mitch Marner trade speculation

It will be an interesting offseason for hulking defender Nikita Zadorov. The 29-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent after helping the Vancouver Canucks win the Pacific Division this season. There is a chance that the Canucks will make an attempt at re-signing Zadorov before he reaches free agency, however, if he does hit the open market, he will have plenty of suitors.

There are a number of clubs who have been linked to Nikita Zadorov in free agency if he does become available. The 6-foot-6 defenseman should have plenty of options this summer, which could not only benefit him by letting him choose where he wants to play but also benefit him from a financial standpoint.

"Earlier @DhaliwalSports updated the latest with Filip Hronek, Nikita Zadorov, and Dakota Joshua" - @DonnieandDhali

Zadorov's physical presence and gritty style of play make him an intriguing target for a number of clubs, particularly in the postseason. This aspect of his game has NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal believing that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be one of the top teams seeking his signature.

"I will not be surprised if the Maple Leafs are a team that takes a long look at Zadorov," Dhaliwal said on a recent episode of Donnie and Dhali. The Maple Leafs are a club that is constantly looking for additional physicality, something that Zadorov could present to the club.

The Maple Leafs might need to pay up in order to land Nikita Zadorov

Although the Toronto Maple Leafs would undoubtedly hope to land a player with the size and ability of Zadorov, the financial side of things could become an issue. This is where the ongoing Mitch Marner trade speculation enters the picture.

"When asked about Mitch Marner, Brad Treliving said the Leafs won't trade him just for the sake of it" - @TLNdc

The talented forward is entering the final year of his contract with the Maple Leafs, which will carry a $10,903,000 cap hit. This has led many to speculate that the team will explore a potential trade of Mitch Marner to help the club improve in other aspects of the game. If the Leafs are able to create enough cap space in a Marner deal, it could help them sign the former Vancouver Canucks blueliner.