Bruins provide ‘best chance to win a championship,’ Zadorov says
After signing a 6-year contract on July 1, the defenseman is eager to contribute and fulfill his role on the team’s defense.
© Andy Devlin/NHLI
BRIGHTON, Mass. — Nikita Zadorov is excited to join a team with Stanley Cup aspirations after signing a six-year, $30 million contract ($5 million average annual value) with the Boston Bruins on July 1.
On Monday, Zadorov expressed his desire to have the greatest opportunity to secure a championship. He emphasized his dedication and wholehearted commitment to his profession. With a six-year commitment to the Bruins, his intention is to pour his passion into the team and strive for a Stanley Cup victory.
During the previous season, Zadorov showcased his skills and contributed to his teams’ performance. He managed to accumulate a total of 20 points, consisting of six goals and 14 assists, throughout 75 games played for both the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. Additionally, during the intense Stanley Cup Playoff games, Zadorov demonstrated his abilities by scoring four goals and providing four assists, resulting in a commendable total of eight points across 13 games played with the Vancouver Canucks.
Zadorov, selected as the No. 16 pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL Draft, has accumulated a total of 146 points (47 goals, 99 assists) throughout his career of 642 regular-season games. He has played for various teams including the Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Flames, and Canucks. Additionally, Zadorov has contributed 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 58 playoff games.
Zadorov is highly likely to play a crucial role if the Bruins secure the Stanley Cup in the upcoming seasons.
Nikita Zadorov discusses Chara and the Bruins with the NHL Tonight panel.
On July 1, Boston general manager Don Sweeney emphasized the significance of ‘Z’s presence, stating, “The impact ‘Z’ has on us cannot be understated. By logging significant minutes against formidable opponents during the playoffs, he exudes confidence. Undoubtedly, his game has flourished and his abilities have become more refined.”
Zadorov’s ties to Boston go far back in his NHL career. His first goal came against the Bruins in just his second NHL game with the Sabres, on Oct. 23, 2013. Boston won 5-2, but Zadorov chuckled at the memory of his new captain, Brad Marchand, being on the ice for his goal.
Marchand, forward David Pastrnak and defenseman Charlie McAvoy were among the first to reach out to Zadorov after he signed.
Zadorov stated, “Since ‘Marchy’ received a minus on the ice, I am going to inform him about it.”
In the past, Zadorov had the opportunity to collaborate with Boston coach Jim Montgomery. This occurred during Montgomery’s tenure as the coach for the University of Denver while Zadorov was playing for the Avalanche. During the offseason, Montgomery would invite NHL players to join the Pioneers for skating sessions, and Zadorov had the chance to interact with him. This experience left a lasting impression on Zadorov regarding his future coach.
But Zadorov is most familiar with center Elias Lindholm, who also signed with Boston on July 1 (seven years, $7.75 million AAV). The two played together with the Flames and Canucks during the past three seasons.
Lindholm, 29, had 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games between the Flames and Canucks last season. In 2021-22, he had 82 points (42 goals, 40 assists) in 82 games and was plus-61 for Calgary, playing alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk and finishing second to former Bruins center Patrice Bergeron for the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the NHL.
Zadorov expressed his enthusiasm for Lindholm signing with the same team, stating that it is definitely beneficial. He eagerly anticipates Lindholm’s presence, considering him a valuable addition to the team and expressing excitement about being teammates.
