The Bruins should pursue this Canucks defenseman if he hits the free agent market.
The Bruins should pursue this Canucks defenseman if he hits the free agent market.
The Boston Bruins should be in for a big offseason. For the first time in a while, they are entering the summer with a lot of cap space. Because of this, they are in a position to make some notable moves.
One specific area where the Bruins should look to improve this offseason is the left side of their defense. Both Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort are pending UFAs, so there is a real shot that they will lose some of their depth. Because of this, it would not be surprising if the Bruins look to add an impactful left-shot defenseman this offseason.
When observing this year's free agency class, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov is one name who should stand out to the Bruins. There is no question that the Bruins need a mean and heavy-hitting defenseman on their blueline, and Zadorov would give them that.
Zadorov, 29, would significantly boost the Bruins' top four and penalty kill if signed. He would also give them far more toughness and a bit more offense from the point.
Zadorov appeared in 75 regular-season games split between the Calgary Flames and Canucks this offseason, posting six goals, 20 points, 177 hits, and 125 penalty minutes. He has also stepped up his offense this postseason, recording four goals, seven points, and a plus-3 rating in nine games thus far.
The Canucks are likely going to want to re-sign Zadorov this offseason, but if they can't come to terms on a new deal, the Bruins must make a major push for him.
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