Insider shares reason why Bruins pushed hard to sign Nikita Zadorov

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Cooper Godin
July 15, 2024 (11:02)

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An insider has shared the reason why the Boston Bruins pushed hard to sign former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov as a free agent two weeks ago.

The Boston Bruins were one of the bigger players in the opening day of free agency, landing a pair of former Vancouver Canucks in Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm who will earn a combined $12.75 million next season.

Boston was searching for help down the middle and did so with Elias Lindholm, who they may have overpaid a bit to get just to fill that pressing need. However, when it comes to Nikita Zadorov, the Boston Bruins needed a big, rugged defenceman who can eat up big minutes and play on the penalty kill. But could Zadorov be in line for an even bigger role next season?

While on 'Pucks with Haggs' podcast, Boston Bruins reporter Mick Colageo said that it seems to him that the team will have Nikita Zadorov play alongside Charlie McAvoy. This would give the Bruins two solid pairings with Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Carlo being the other.

"It screams to me that the Bruins have a guy here that they're probably going to play with McAvoy." Bruins reporter Mick Colageo said.

The Bruins made a significant change in the off-season by moving Linus Ullmark to Ottawa, while keeping Jeremy Swayman, who will be the team's starter for years to come. Having Zadorov play alongside McAvoy, while having Hampus Lindholm and Carlo together, gives the Bruins a balanced approach on the blueline and should help them keep the puck out of their own net. But we'll have to wait and see what Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery decides to do to start the 2024-25 season.