The Boston Bruins could look to start a rebuild, as the Bruins were one of the worst teams in the NHL last season.
Boston made some big free agent additions last season, but it didn’t work out. Now, Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Bruins deal Nikita Zadorov to their hated rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Bruins acquire:
- Simon Benoit
- Nick Robertson
- 2026 third-round pick
Maple Leafs acquire:
- Nikita Zadorov
The Bruins would make a trade with their hated rival in the Maple Leafs, but it does make sense for both teams. Boston gets an NHL defenseman, a young NHL forward, and a mid-round pick. Toronto, meanwhile, would get a big, physical defenseman to bolster its blue line.
The Bruins would acquire a mid-round pick and Benoit, who’s a lesser version of Zadorov. Benoit is entering the second year of his three-year, $4.05 deal, so he’d give Boston some flexibility on the back end. He’s 26 and plays physical, so he’ll play a similar role to Zadarov. He recorded 1 goal and 9 assists for 10 points in 78 games.
Boston would also acquire Robertson, who’s a pending RFA but would give the Bruins a young forward who can play in the middle-six. Robertson recorded 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 69 games last season.
In return, the Bruins would trade Zadorov to the Maple Leafs. Zadorov is entering the second year of his six-year, $30 million deal and would be a physical defenseman for Toronto. He’d be an upgrade over Benoit and can also produce some more offense. He recorded 4 goals and 18 assists for 22 points in 81 games.
Zadorov Was Frustrated With his First Season With the Bruins
The Bruins made a big move to sign Zadorov last offseason, but it didn’t work out for either side.
Boston was one of the worst teams in the NHL last season, as Zadorov wanted to help them reach the playoffs. So, he was frustrated that he didn’t make a bigger impact this season.
“I think it’s a little improper to ask an individual question when the team definitely had a goal to make the playoffs and we didn’t,” Zadorov said. “So, obviously, it’s not a great year when you could not help enough to your team to make it through to the postseason, so I think there’s definitely room to improve.”
Zadorov led the NHL in penalty minutes last season as he played physically. The big defenseman says he wants to play Bruins hockey, which is physical, but he knows sometimes that leads to penalties.
“I want to play Boston Bruins hockey,” Zadorov said. “I want to be as physical as I can. Sometimes, I was crossing the line. I take all responsibility for it. I’m trying to be as disciplined as I can, but unfortunately, sometimes it’s my style (of play) and sometimes I cross the line because I’m 6’6″ and 250 (pounds). I’m a big guy, so sometimes those penalties will happen. That’s why you have to have a good penalty kill to kill the penalties.”
Zadorov has skated in 723 career NHL games.
Bruins GM Wants to Be Tougher
Although trading Zadorov would be tough, getting Benoit back would ease the load.
Benoit plays physically and isn’t afraid to fight like Zadorov. He would fit the Bruins’ role perfectly, as general manager Don Sweeney wants to be a tougher team to play against.
“At times last year, even when we had our group, we were an easy out. I can’t stand for that,” Sweeney said. “So we are going to reestablish that.”
Boston signed Tanner Jeannot, Mikey Eyssimont, and Sean Kuraly this offseason to be a tougher team to play against.
