During the end-of-year media availabilities, defenseman Nikita Zadorov didn’t hold back — delivering a bold and direct message to the Boston Bruins’ front office.
After a season filled with disappointment, the Bruins fell far short of expectations. Entering the year with a roster stacked with talent, few could’ve predicted that the team would miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs entirely. Even fewer expected them to become sellers at the trade deadline, ultimately finishing 28th in the league — the fifth-worst record — with a 33-39-10 record. This followed a 47-win season the year before, which saw Boston reach the second round of the playoffs.
A major factor in the Bruins’ collapse was the inconsistent play of Jeremy Swayman, though the goaltender received little support from a depleted lineup missing key players like Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy.
Zadorov didn’t mince words in his availability. He stressed that the Bruins already have their core in place and that it’s now on the front office to make the necessary additions to compete.
“What — are they going to waste Pasta’s prime?” Zadorov said, referring to star winger David Pastrnak. “I mean, I don’t have many years left. Neither do Lindy (Hampus Lindholm), Elias (Lindholm), or C-Mac (Charlie McAvoy). It’s win or nothing here.”
Zadorov also had a message for potential free agents, emphasizing the opportunity Boston presents:
“Why wouldn’t someone want to come here?” he asked. “This is an Original Six team. Boston is a great city to play in. We have one of the best players in the world (Pastrnak), one of the best goalies, and two elite defensemen who missed most of the season. The foundation is here. This summer is going to be huge.”
As the offseason begins, Zadorov’s comments put pressure on Bruins management to define a clear path forward. Will they commit to building around their core, or is a deeper reset in the cards?
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