The Bruins had a clear priority this offseason: securing a top-tier centre. However, they also recognized the importance of enhancing their defensive depth. Their blue line boasts impressive talent with players like Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Hampus Lindholm, and the promising Mason Lohrei, who recently shone in the postseason. Now, the Bruins have welcomed Nikita Zadorov, signing him to a six-year, $30 million contract.
Standing at 6-foot-5, the 29-year-old adds to the team’s imposing presence on defense, joining the ranks of Lindholm, Lohrei, and Carlo, who are all 6-foot-4 or taller, and will seamlessly integrate into the team’s depth chart.
Bruins Defenceman Zadorov set to Make History
Zadorov was born in Moscow, Russia and in his early years, he dedicated a season to playing in the MHL. It is recognized as the top junior league in the country. Many teams in this league are affiliated with professional adult leagues, mainly the Kontinental Hockey League. However, Zadorov made the leap to North American hockey much earlier than is typical for Russian players.
During the 2012-13 season, Zadorov joined the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League. He played in 63 games that year, accumulating 25 points and achieving a plus-33 rating. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the 2013 OHL All-Rookie Team.
As he approached the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Zadorov was riding a wave of positive momentum. The left-handed defenceman garnered attention for his impressive size and skills as a shutdown defender. With his combination of talent and physicality, many expected him to be selected in the first round.
Early NHL Years
Zadorov has had a diverse career in the NHL. He represenred five different teams. The Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks. During the 2014-15 season, Zadorov spent the entire time up in the NHL with Buffalo. He appeared in 60 games and registered three goals and 15 points. Zadorov all rookie defenceman in hits that season with 134 hits. He also set the record at the time for the youngest defenseman in Sabres history to score an overtime goal.
Between 2015-2021, Zadorov honed his skills while playing for the Colorado Avalanche and the Chicago Blackhawks. It did mark a significant period of growth in his career. This journey took a turn when he was traded to the Calgary Flames in 2021.
Zaborov Hits his Stride
Following the 2020-21 season, Zadorov inked a one-year contract worth $3.75 million with the Flames. It led to one of the standout seasons of his career. He managed to score four goals and accumulate 22 points, marking only the second time he surpassed the 20-point threshold. It was his first being in the 2017-18 season when he reached exactly 20 points. He later secured a two-year extension to remain in Calgary, and the 2022-23 season proved even more fruitful. He netted 14 goals over 82 games while enjoying nearly two additional minutes of ice time per game, establishing himself as a top-four defenseman.
During his tenure in Calgary, Zadorov made significant strides in his development. He went on to evolve into a more dependable and high-calibre defenseman. However, It appeared that a lengthy tenure with the Flames was not in the cards, as he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in November 2023. Zadorov enjoyed a solid season in Vancouver, netting five goals and accumulating nine points over 54 games, with all his goals scored at even strength. However, the highlight of his time with the Canucks came during the playoffs, where he excelled with four goals and eight points in 13 games, averaging around 20 minutes of ice time per game—significantly higher than his career average of 18:05.
While there was some interest in bringing him back to Vancouver, Zadorov ultimately chose the Bruins, believing they offered him the best opportunity to chase a championship. Notably, he joins the Boston roster alongside Elias Lindholm, a familiar face from their time together in both Vancouver and Calgary.
The Arrival In Boston
Zadorov is set to embark on his 12th NHL season this fall. Throughout these 12 years, Zadorov’s game has evolved significantly. He has become a more strategic player, cutting down on the reckless penalties that characterized his early career.
While he has maintained the physical edge that has garnered him attention, he has also enhanced his puck-moving skills and overall situational awareness. His recent playoff performance demonstrated his readiness to take on greater responsibilities, proving he can log over 20 minutes of ice time per game. Additionally, the postseason highlighted his potential for offensive contributions, an aspect he is eager to develop further. Zadorov has the capability to be a solid top-four defenseman for any NHL team.
Zandorov Is a Great Addition to Boston
The Bruins have gained valuable options with the addition of Zadorov. He enhances their left side, joining forces with Hampus Lindholm and Lohrei to ensure solid coverage across all three defensive pairings. This flexibility allows the coaching staff to experiment and discover the best combinations on the ice. Zadorov could pair well with McAvoy, as their playing styles are likely to complement each other effectively.
This signing is a significant win for the Bruins, promising to yield positive results in the 2024-25 season and beyond. Ultimately, the Zadorov deal stands out as a solid free agency acquisition, and its value will only increase if he lives up to the expectations. This was a crucial move to secure a player who is sure to provide numerous solutions and bolster their competitiveness as they head into the playoffs.
