Nikita Zadorov received his number 91 Boston Bruins jersey for GM Don Sweeney (Credit: Zadorov — Nikita Zadorov received his No. 91 Boston Bruins jersey from GM Don Sweeney (Credit: Zadorov's Instagram))

In Photos: Nikita Zadorov shares joyful moments with family upon joining Boston Bruins

Modified Jul 09, 2024 17:42 GMT

Nikita Zadorov received his No. 91 jersey from Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney. On July 1, the opening day of free agency, Zadorov signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Bruins.

Zadorov took to Instagram to share pictures of himself receiving the jersey alongside his wife Aleksandra Fedorova and their two daughters, Sophie and Stephanie.

Sweeney was excited to improve the team's defense by signing Zadorov. Last season, the Bruins struggled to keep up with the Florida Panthers defense. Now they will have 6-foot-2 Zadorov.

“The presence that ‘Z’ brings is important to us,” Sweeney said after signing Zadorov. “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.”

Nikita Zadorov will be the second player in team history to wear No. 91 for the Boston Bruins after Marc Savard.

Nikita Zadorov believes Boston Bruins have the best shot at Stanley Cup

Nikita Zadorov has moved to the Boston Bruins for two reasons. First, to win the Stanley Cup. Second, he wanted to secure a long-term contract for the stability of his family. After his signing, in an interview with NHL.com, Zadorov shared the reason behind signing with the Bruins.

“I want my best chance to win a championship,” Zadorov said. “I’m really (invested) in what I do, and I’m putting all my heart into everything, and right now I’m here for six years and I want to put my heart into (being) a Bruin and to try to win a Stanley Cup in here.”

Zadorov has a prior connection with Boston coach Jim Montgomery from their time together at the University of Denver and during Zadorov's stint with the Avalanche, where they skated together in the offseason. Elias Lindholm also signed with the Bruins in free agency. Zadorov knows Lindholm since he has played alongside him with the Flames and the Canucks for the past three seasons.

“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 excited to have him on my team, for sure.”

Zadorov played for both Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks last season. He scored a total of 20 points, including six goals and 14 assists in 75 games. In the playoffs, his performance was particularly impressive. He scored eight points in 13 playoff games and four goals and four assists for Vancouver.

The Bruins lost to the Florida Panthers and exited the playoffs in the second round. Now they will try to secure the Stanley Cup with Nikita Zadorov's help.