Nikita Zadorov is eagerly anticipating his new journey with the Boston Bruins after inking a six-year contract worth $30 million, carrying an average annual value of $5 million, on July 1. “I want my best chance to win a championship,” Zadorov expressed on Monday. “I’m deeply invested in what I do, and I’m pouring all my heart into this. Now that I’m here for six years, I want to put my heart into being a Bruin and strive to win a Stanley Cup here.”
Zadorov tallied 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 75 games last season while playing for the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. He contributed eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games with Vancouver. Selected 16th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL Draft, Zadorov has accumulated 146 points (47 goals, 99 assists) in 642 regular-season games through his stints with the Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Flames, and Canucks. Additionally, he has collected 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 58 playoff games. Zadorov is expected to play a vital role if the Bruins are to capture the Stanley Cup in the upcoming seasons.
“The presence that ‘Z’ brings is important to us,” said Boston’s general manager Don Sweeney on July 1. “Playing a lot of top-four minutes in the playoffs against top guys comes with a bit of swagger. He has certainly seen his game grow and probably get a little more defined in what he’s capable of doing.”
Zadorov’s connection to Boston dates back to his early days in the NHL. He scored his first goal against the Bruins in just his second NHL game with the Sabres on October 23, 2013—a game Boston won 5-2. With a smile, Zadorov reminisced about his new captain, Brad Marchand, being on the ice for his goal. Marchand, along with forward David Pastrnak and defenseman Charlie McAvoy, were among the first to reach out to Zadorov after his signing. “‘Marchy’ was on the ice. He took a minus, so I’m going to let him know,” Zadorov joked.
Zadorov is also no stranger to Boston coach Jim Montgomery. The two crossed paths when Montgomery was coaching at the University of Denver, and Zadorov was playing for the Avalanche. Montgomery hosted NHL players to skate with the Pioneers during the off-season, leaving a strong impression on Zadorov.
However, Zadorov is most familiar with center Elias Lindholm, who also joined the Bruins on July 1, signing a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $7.75 million. The duo played together with the Flames and Canucks over the last three seasons. Lindholm, 29, posted 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games between the Flames and Canucks last season. In the 2021-22 season, he recorded 82 points (42 goals, 40 assists) in 82 games and was an astounding plus-61 for Calgary, playing alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk. Lindholm finished second to former Bruins center Patrice Bergeron in the voting for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which honors the NHL’s top defensive forward.
“It definitely helps when your friend signs with the same team as well,” Zadorov said about Lindholm. “I’m excited for him. … He’s a really good addition and I’m thrilled to have him on my team, for sure.”
