Nikita Zadorov made a big impression for the Vancouver Canucks in the playoffs. Now he has a contract to match. Zadorov signed a six-year deal with an AAV of $5 million with the Boston Bruins.
6 years $5 mill per for Zadorov in Boston.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2024
New Contract for Nikita Zadorov
Q: What kind of contract does a 6’6″, 250 lb. defenceman who is an unrestricted free agent get?
A: This one: Six-years at $5 million per season.
Zadorov had already rejected one offer from Vancouver before the regular season ended, and that looks like a good move. His playoff run showed him at his best over 13 games. Four goals, eight points, dozens of hits, and an intimidating presence he used plenty in the regular season. That is the formula for a fan favourite, and both he and his agent know it.
Zadorov isn’t a young man, but the aging curve for defencemen tends to be gentler than with forwards. Since his game isn’t just offence, if his scoring numbers decrease that’s not a nightmare. He is one of those players who lets his teammates “play bigger” because he’s on the ice or looming on the bench. That’s not a bad deterrent to have.
At 29 years old, he was looking for a big deal now, worrying about the next one later. Given that his previous contracts were one and two years, it’s no surprise he wants some stability, too.
That’s not to say this new Nikita Zadorov contract doesn’t come with considerable risk, though.
What to Expect
Despite his playoff heroics, Zadorov has only occasionally been a middle-pair defenceman in his 11-year NHL career. He will sometimes chase a big it, pulling himself out of position to do so. His shot is heavy and reasonably accurate, but don’t expect him to run a power play. He’ll never be the first choice for any play.
On the other hand, he can jump down into the play if things get chaotic in front of the opposing net. He’ll clear the front of his net reasonably well, though he lives for throwing bodychecks. And if anyone looks sideways at his team’s skill players, he lets them know to look elsewhere.
This is a steep cost for a player who might not be full value for it as far as goals for and against go. But look past the boxcar stats and ask his fans and teammates, and he can be invaluable.
