Bruins Expected to Target Nikita Zadorov
The Bruins are expected to be among the suitors for Nikita Zadorov on July 1.
© Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Bruins Expected to Target Nikita ZadorovOne of the Boston Bruins' top needs this offseason is to add to the left side of their defense. With Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort both expected to be let go, the Bruins would be wise to add another experienced left-shot defender to their roster once free agency begins.
It appears they have one of the top defenders of this year's free agency class on their radar because of it. On 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Bruins are expected to target Nikita Zadorov in free agency.
Hearing that the Bruins are expected to target Zadorov is not particularly surprising. They have been connected to him in the past, and it is no secret that GM Don Sweeney wants to make the Bruins tougher. Bringing in a mean, 6-foot-6 defender like Zadorov would undoubtedly help things on that front.
If the Bruins landed Zadorov, he would be a notable addition to the club's top four. He would also be a nice replacement for Forbort on the Bruins' penalty kill if signed.
Yet, when noting that Zadorov is one of the top shutdown defensemen hitting the market on July 1, the Bruins will have a lot of competition in the sweepstakes. Friedman specifically noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to make a big push for him.
In 75 regular-season games in 2023-24 split between the Calgary Flames and Canucks, Zadorov posted six goals, 20 points, 102 penalty minutes, and 124 hits. He also had four goals and eight points in 13 playoff games for Vancouver.
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