'What Is The Griddy?': Canucks' Nikita Zadorov On Jake Walman's Shootout Celebration | After Hours

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov joins Scott Oake on After Hours to discuss hitting in the modern NHL, taking exception to Jake Walman's Griddy celebration after a shootout winner, and more.
----------------------------------------------
Subscribe to Sportsnet on KZbin - sprtsnt.ca/2paAT2L
Watch Sportsnet on Sportsnet+ - sportsnetplus.ca
Visit Sportsnet.ca for more sports news and highlights - www.sportsnet.ca
Follow Sportsnet on Facebook - sprtsnt.ca/YTFB
Follow Sportsnet on Twitter - sprtsnt.ca/YTTWTR
Follow Sportsnet on Instagram - sprtsnt.ca/YTINST
Follow Sportsnet on TikTok - sprtsnt.ca/YTTIKTOK
Follow Sportsnet on Snapchat - tinyurl.com/SNsnap
----------------------------------------------
Sportsnet is Canada's #1 Sports Network. Your home for the latest highlights, breaking sports news, in-depth athlete interviews, cutting edge podcasts, live streams and much more. Don't miss a single highlight reel goal, huge home run, exceptional dunk or mind blowing touchdown. Get inside scoops and industry leading insights with unparalleled access. Get to know a different side of your favourite sports superstars in one of a kind, offbeat comedic interviews. Sportsnet is the one stop shop for the fan inside all of us.
----------------------------------------------
#NHL

[@zackyep]

Him not knowing what the griddy is makes me like him even more. W zadorov

[@somekindoftactics]

What is it? The host just said it's from college football, without explaining

[@Ishkur23]

@@somekindoftactics Justin Jefferson popularized the dance, he does it whenever he scores a touchdown. He started doing it in college, he does it in the NFL now for the Minnesota Vikings.

[@somekindoftactics]

@@Ishkur23 thanks

[@xslashngashx]

What a beaut. Re-sign this man

[@dominiksodin6965]

Z has been everything we've needed for a while. His presence and physicality is something we've been missing for a while. Hoping we re-sign Big Z and hope he stays a Canuck. Everyone plays bigger when Z and Dak are in the lineup, he's been an awesome addition.

[@allghilliedup21]

Extremely well spoken. Love that he took ownership of that bad hit resulting in a suspension this year. He's learned from it.

[@hchahal9145]

his best line was from another interview when asked about a road trip to Nashville: Interviewer: 'How was Nashville?' Z: 'It's not my type of town'. Interviewer: 'You don't like cowboy boots?' Z: 'I left my cowboy boots in Calgary'.

[@Benso39]

that's a song title right there

[@hockeyqueen]

Really well spoken. I admire his accountability

[@SMA2343]

I was not expecting him to be this well spoken. But then he’s been in the league for what 11 years? His English is amazing, I want him to stay in Vancouver. Please!!

[@shawncordeiro5078]

he gave it away sayin wife loves it in van and has his family is here therefore offer him a extension of his contract he really likes the coaches he'll sign

[@jameskillbot2867]

Would love to see him stay long term if the contract is right.

[@joemama-xr9yj]

He also played junior in OHL. Scouts say he always worked hard on his English even back then

[@JayCanuck007]

What a complete beauty Big "Z" is !! Great character, and a massive physical presence.

[@OhCanada-wk3kl]

I really respect Zadorov's humility, evident in this interview and his responses- a sign of balance and wisdom.

[@greenbluemonkey]

Knowing that he speaks up for Ukraine just elevated him 100 fold in my eyes.

[@MajorCanada]

Seems like a very honorable guy. He seems straight up. Pay dat man his money.

[@19Jharris]

I just love this guy So glad he’s on our side I hope he likes it’s here and finds a way to sign Just an awesome guy

[@sheddingmyvelvet]

this guy is a beauty, should make a podcast lol

[@kempnercanucks]

Thank you for asking my question Scott Oake and I loved how Zadorov answered the question. I too dislike how clean hits = fights nowadays. But Nikita is a beast on the ice. I was streaming about the Canucks game and my phone was blowing up from friends that saw my question being asked on HNIC After Hours. I love having Zadorov on our Canucks and I really hope he re-signs and stays in Vancouver for a long time. He's the player we need and want on our team.

[@tlevans62]

Trev, hope we can find the money to resign him for a few years, he really has become a big part of the team, both literally & figuratively.

[@kempnercanucks]

@@tlevans62 exactly. These types of players are rare and once you have one, it’s time to keep him.

[@canucksfan2024]

Absolutely love him he's like Chara but a bit better.

[@kempnercanucks]

@@canucksfan2024 we have to bring him back!

[@battistimo]

They can’t afford him.

[@roysantoso4327]

Great insight into big Z, the person. Articulate and well spoken. Hope he is in a Canucks jersey beyond this season and many years to come.

[@chatterless]

Phenomenal interview, Zadorov just made a fan for life

[@user-iw5mp5th6d]

Zadorof stated in an interview with a Russia reporter that he's against Russian aggression so you have to admire his values and his courage.

[@Koz4concern]

Did he mention how he feels about nato aggression?

[@user-nz9zg3eu3r]

@@Koz4concern яйки зажаты, 11 лет уже там. Язык уже шерстью оброс у 🤡

[@Bxyxox]

@@user-nz9zg3eu3raw you mad?

[@sdmackie1]

Just a class act. Hope he is with Canucks long term.

[@kevinnegoro1118]

Zadorov is everything Tyler Myers should be. He actually is quite mobile but his physical play is outstanding. DJ Big Z and Jules are beasts on the blueline. Love his character on and off the ice and the Canucks should resign this man. The skateboard comment 😂

[@codybaley6266]

Love Zaddy! Awesome player, even more awesome person!

[@bradbash2006]

Never heard him talk much before. This guy is so great, promote this man.

[@jacobs1047]

Russian Canadian accent is wild

[@dylanmckinney2615]

Love this guys physical game. Exactly what the Canucks need for playoff hockey. Great addition to the team, lock him in for a few years. Worth every penny.

[@MrSeisouso]

"It's no time to dance now". Amazing.

[@Cruxvae]

Even after all these years, I still miss having Z on the Avs. Fun to watch on the ice and awesome human being.

[@cascadian19]

What an amazing player for the Canucks, exactly what this team needs, and an awesome person on top of that- impeccable taste and playing heavy, clean hockey. Takes a lot of courage to speak up about his opinions supporting Ukrainian people, very respectable for someone in his status. All-around here should have an A and I hope he stays a Canuck for life!

[@chrischan2760]

I'm happy Zadorov is with the Canucks. A tough player with integrity.

[@moocat11]

He doesn’t say what he thinks. He thinks and then speaks. He’s very intelligent and hits like Scott Stevens but cleaner

[@giobluee]

this is such a great interview/conversation! really appreciate the content.

[@zororosario]

Great interview with Z, a force to be reckoned with on the ice gentleman off the ice😊

[@c4live3]

Great personality, and brings a style of play the Canucks have been sorely missing!

[@randnev]

Great interview for people to get to know him. Really appreciate him.

[@chojamaru304]

Sign this man to a six year deal extension please.

[@WhatDothLife]

What a gem!

[@alexlee1087]

Stand up guy, love having him as a Canuck. He'll be a difference maker in the playoffs.

[@doctordoctor8871]

Задоров красавчик!

[@johndowner2196]

Scott Oake and After Hours is great. Much more than just the hockey game.👍

[@canucksfan2024]

Fantastic dman for us!! Glad we got him!!

[@remimk]

bro looks like a 1940s gangster lolol

[@racheljulianne]

love him so much.

[@hamudmirza2257]

Love this guy. Solid dude. Stands up for what’s right. 💪🏾

[@gastondeveaux3783]

His english is fantastic. Excellent player. He should be a great addition to Van.

[@wootwoot3748]

You must a took a skateboard here Classic!

[@MikeyMac99]

Guy thought he was about to get a compliment for wearing kids shoes as a 60yr old... 😂

[@user-cy1qu3tl5l]

Nikita Zadorov - Molodchik ! ..💪✊️

[@BigSleepyJoeCooking]

Z has quickly become one of my favourite canucks ever

[@patrickday1816]

The Canucks will be less of a team if they don't resign him. His physical presence is why his teammates play bigger than they really are.

[@jgabriel1755]

What a beaut! He give this team the grit they needed, notice how teams aren’t taking runs at the star players anymore! Bcuz they know they’ll have to deal with him

[@jayharrison8450]

SIGN THIS MAN !!!

[@fundypyronneau5687]

Wooooow really nice guys and well spoken and speak with a good mind set ..one of the best post game interview I saw …and love the way he talk about the Griddy lollll😂😅…..and was not worried to say that yzerman was is favourite player after that ……and for all people young generations take possession to talk about politics like I’m……..love the way he and plan to talk and the procedure he took to talk about The War in Ukraine 🇺🇦 !!!!!

[@dornishraven1628]

Resign the man!

[@ATGAT]

Such a beauty

[@larrygill2223]

So refreshing to hear a man who’s second language is English, to not say um, um , like , umm every other word

[@JDubs99]

Is it just me or does this guy sound super well spoken....

[@ratiquette]

I gotta get me a #91 flying skate jersey

[@codymachado]

I love after hours, i still remember the first time i ever watched after hours they had teemu selanne on in vancouver or calgary iirc

[@AJ-ox6yi]

Why no CBC Hockey Night in Canada towel? Poor guy had to use his hand to wipe his sweat.

[@dchana]

Nils Hoglander is a from a 30-people village? LOL!

[@itsthrone2520]

Beauty music selection

[@mikefrench5641]

Nice interview very interesting nice guy very good English

[@TheFlamesLegend]

Forever a flame 🔥🔥🔥 Good luck Big Z!

[@michaeljames0204]

Z, what a class act.

[@coreymcewen8737]

Zadorov outclassed these interviewers!

[@wayneneilson844]

Canucks have to get this guy signed!

[@nikkig251]

i really want the canucks to keep him forever

[@sweetsmcarthy8961]

Finally a nhler that is real ...van is lucky to have him...sure he will have Russian comments but they are jealous of him ...living the north american way

[@vulgarisopinio]

We wish him well. Let him enjoy the woke indoctrination of his beautiful daughters.

[@Bxyxox]

@@vulgarisopiniowhat does woke mean

[@namu2896]

@@Bxyxox Woke is an adjective derived from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning "alert to racial prejudice and discrimination". Beginning in the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities such as racial injustice, sexism, and denial of LGBT rights.

[@user-nz9zg3eu3r]

@@vulgarisopinio ну надеюсь ему будет приятно, когда доченька заявит ,что она теперь сыночек.

[@300215415456]

Suit game = A1

[@Dontthankyu]

Z being the Locker room DJ is friggin awesome. Go Nucks

[@showmetawny]

He better stay with the Canucks!!!

[@galacticwafflehero]

Yeah @KempnerCanucks !!!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@JN-cz3iw]

Beauty

[@DUDE72341]

he can skate, and his other defenders will lift him to the levels the canucks need

[@dchana]

sign this brother please!

[@user-mw9ni8kz9w]

Zaddy daddy for prime minister

[@h8nmuslimstime89]

Big Z brings physicality and swagger to the Canucks which will be more important when the games become more important.

[@user-mq9hn1gc5p]

i'm trying to be really fair and clean... most of the time.

[@trdaniels333]

Miss big z in Calgary

[@KeithRobertson1]

RE-SIGN THIS MAN

[@klarasidlofova4279]

He is so well spoken in English

[@iphn3794]

Why do you seem so surprised?

[@packers256]

@@iphn3794 Because English is hard for Russians to pick up, ya goof. But yeah, if you know he's lived here since age 17, it's not super surprising.

[@danbeaudreau499]

Resign this dude now. Such a personality

[@Dub23zero]

🎉no wars!

[@busterhymen6331]

His parents should be proud !

[@heidi6715]

❤❤❤

[@mountainboy604]

Big Z. Hell yes.

[@thewizardofoz511]

As a Red Wings fan myself i like Zadorov a lot.. the type of defenseman the Red Wings NEED.. but ya gotta chill on my boi Jake Walman😅.. that griddy is impressive..

[@gothooked]

Wild spoken! Resign him Patrick

[@OvieSnips8]

Asking him about the Griddy was cringe af

[@Aliamner]

Big Z is our new Myers but even better. Hope he sticks around

[@mikeruxpin2829]

Love big Z

[@sandman5504]

Canucks, pay this man.

[@FEDD]

Sign this guy over Myers. Hope they find a middle ground.

[@peters5090]

How can u not love big Z

[@senortano]

Size and hands

[@jamiecox2110]

Sign this man lol

[@adamj1337]

Good interview. Raymond's reaction to that hit was embarrassing and I hate seeing it, bad hit or not.

[@royjonzejr]

"Worst dresser on the team? I'm not gonna throw anyone under the bus here, I'm not gonna name names, I'm not gonna share it, maybe Nils Hoglander though" - Nikita Zadorov

[@NexDim.]

I love this guy. I really hope they are able to resign him.

[@janetsmith1919]

Big Z is the man. Resign him immediately!

[@roblockhart8410]

He was such a great pickup for Canucks. They should give him the C

[@claytonwyatt9780]

He did not just say Zaddy

[@lightlybatteredjustcrispy]

are these guys just trying to be as awkward and uncomfortable as possible? Its like they've never had a conversation in their lives . Maybe just talk to the guy instead of forcing the terrible pre written dialogue. Its just unnatural and painful to watch