Nikita Zadorov speculates why $54.25M Boston Bruins teammate failed in Canucks squad

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jul 10, 2024 03:20 GMT

Boston Bruins' newly signed defenseman Nikita Zadorov commented on teammate Elias Lindholm’s struggles last season. In a piece published by Boston.com, Zadorov talked about what he felt were the reasons for a seemingly down year by Lindholm.

Zadorov said:

“He got traded to Vancouver. He kind of didn’t play the role he fits, I feel like. So, here I feel like he can come back to the version he was in Calgary with the top line and top penalty kill and everything.”

Of course, Nikita Zadorov knows Elias Lindholm well. The two were teammates with the Calgary Flames before joining the Vancouver Canucks last season as deadline additions.

Now, Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm reunite once again, this time in Beantown. When asked about Lindholm’s addition to the Boston lineup, Zarodov said about his expectations for the Bruins’ $54.25 million top-line center:

“He’s a really good addition, and I’m really excited to have him on my team, for sure.”

Lindholm is expected to anchor the Bruins’ top line with sniper David Pastrnak. Meanwhile, Zadorov will be a valuable asset on the blue line, helping the Bruins keep opponents in check.

Bruins fans have great expectations in the Zadorov-Lindholm duo as the B’s look to improve on their last season’s disappointing playoff exit.

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Nikita Zadorov getting mentally ready for his time in Boston

Entering his 12th NHL season, Zadorov feels like he’s moving away from taking chances on the ice and embracing a more responsible, reliable role.

The Hockey News reported Zadorov’s comments on how he has adjusted himself mentally to impact this performance on the ice:

“For me, it took me some time to adjust myself. How I prepared myself for the game, how I’m mentally preparing, physically, practices and everything. It’s all combined to be a successful, consistent defenseman in this league.”

The Bruins will hope that Nikita Zadorov can consistently play like the reliable, shutdown defenseman he was during last year’s playoffs. While high offensive numbers have never characterized him, he has gradually moved away from riskier plays on the ice, focusing more on making smart defensive ones.

The approach has paid off, so the Bruins believe that the 29-year-old can prove his value. PuckPedia reports that the Bruins signed Zadorov for a six-year, $30 million contract. If he can play up to his strengths, the contract could look like a bargain.

In the meantime, Zadorov will need to get his mental and physical game to live up to the expectations placed on him by Bruins fans and the organization.