Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm have been teammates for the past three seasons, and each signed with the Boston Bruins on July 1. Despite concerns about the latter's latest production, Zadorov believes he will be in a better position to succeed this season.
BRIGHTON, Mass. – Of all the members of the Boston Bruins excited for the arrival of Elias Lindholm, few are more so than fellow arrival Nikita Zadorov.
Zadorov and Lindholm both agreed to large contracts with the Bruins when free agency opened on July 1, and the two are reuniting after spending the past three seasons together with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.
Zadorov, a 6-foot-6 defenseman, got his first look at Warrior Ice Arena on Monday, and he expressed excitement about the opportunity not only for himself, but for his friend Lindholm.
“It’s a new opportunity for him,” Zadorov said. “Obviously he had a couple different years after we were good in Calgary … Then he got traded to Vancouver, he kind of didn’t play the role he fits, I feel like. So in here, I feel like he can come back to his version when he was in Calgary with top line, top penalty kill and everything. He’s really good and I’m really excited to have him on my team, for sure.”
The biggest concern for Bruins fans when it came to Lindholm’s signing was his declining point production in recent seasons. After an 82-point campaign in Calgary during the 2021-22 season, Lindholm followed it up with 64 points in 2022-23 and just 44 points this past season.
The 29-year-old forward is expected to slot into the first-line center position, potentially alongside David Pastrnak, which should help his production. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said Lindholm is a player the Bruins have monitored since his draft process back in 2013, when the Carolina Hurricanes selected him fifth overall. 11 years later, he finally lands in Boston.
“It’s kind of been a two year pursuit to tell you the truth, wondering maybe down the road, if he would ever get to free agency,” Sweeney said on July 1. “Had chances at the deadline to maybe get in there, but it didn’t necessarily materialize, so when this was presented we were very happy.”
Zadorov, meanwhile, solidifies the left side of the defense. Aside from Hampus Lindholm, the other options are Mason Lohrei and Parker Wotherspoon – both younger, less experienced players that could benefit from the presence of a veteran like Zadorov.
Entering his 12th NHL season, Zadorov is hoping to become more consistent, as opposed to the more “high-risk” style he’s become known for.
“For me, it took me some time to adjust myself,” Zadorov said. “How I prepare 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.”
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