The Calgary Flames are hosting the Dallas Stars tonight, but they have just announced that they will have to face the Western rivals without defenseman Nikita Zadorov.
According to information revealed by the Flames, Zadorov will miss tonight’s game due to a family matter. The announcement was made less than an hour prior to the game.
Jordan Oesterle is expected to draw into the lineup Wednesday on the third pairing.
The nature of Zadorov's family matter remains private, so it's unclear how long he'll be out. The Flames will surely offer more details in coming days, after tonight's matchup against the Stars.
Earlier today, head coach Ryan Huska had mentioned that Zadorov was “ good to go” and would be in the Flames’ lineup against Dallas. Huska had explained how Dillion Dube would be missing the game as he was not on the ice for the team’s optional skate. The 25-year-old has one goal and two assists in nine games.
Calgary’s 2-6-1 start is not what was expected from a group that underwent coaching and management changes in the offseason.
More changes are therefore coming to the lineup as the Flames, who have called up top AHL scorer Connor Zary on Tuesday in hopes of sparking their offence. Zary leads the Calgary Wranglers players, with 10 points in six contests this season, and had 58 points in 72 games last year.
Zadorov has yet to score through nine games this season. He has just two assists and shows a -8 rating.
We hope for the best when it comes Zadorov and his family.
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