Boston will add to its overall grit after signing towering defenseman Nikita Zadorov to a six-year deal worth $30.0 million ($5.0M AAV). By joining the Bruins, the 29-year-old will join his sixth NHL team in the 12th year of his career after posting six goals, 20 points and 125 PIMs in 75 games between Calgary and Vancouver in 2023-24.
Zadorov was a healthy scratch on Saturday for Vancouver's game but is expected to draw back into the Canucks' lineup on Tuesday in Vegas. The 28-year-old towering defensemen has been having a solid season between both Vancouver and Calgary, with 18 points (6G/12A), 100 PIMs, 78 SOG and a +2 plus/minus through 67 games played so far.
Zadorov did not play on Saturday but is expected to return to the lineup on Monday against the New York Rangers. Since joining the Canucks at the beginning of December, Zadorov has two points (0G / 2A), 26 penalty minutes, 20 hits, and 16 blocks in 14 games.
It's the first missed game of the young season for Zadorov. The 28-year-old blue-liner has no goals, two assists and 19 hits through his opening nine games. Jordan Oesterle will draw back into the lineup in place of Zadorov.
Zadorov is a huge (6-6, 235), physical defenseman, who had 22 points (4G / 18A) in 74 games with the Flames a season ago. The 27-year-old led Flames' defensemen in hits (181) and could take on a larger penalty killing role in 2022-23 with Erik Gudbranson now in Columbus.
Zadorov was one of six Flames players that were added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Monday morning. Calgary's next three games have been postponed as a result of this outbreak.
