Nikita Zadorov announces why he signed with Bruins

Free agent defenseman Nikita Zadorov didn't have to wait long to find his new professional home after being unable to come to terms on a new deal with the Vancouver Canucks. He headed to the East Atlantic, inking a six-year, $30 million contract with the Boston Bruins and taking one of the best blue liners available in free agency officially off the market. 

Now armed with a long-term deal, he can focus on what he came to the Bruins to accomplish - winning the Stanley Cup. 

“The last two years have been about trying to find the right fit for me to win a championship,” said Zadorov during his first visit to Warrior Ice Arena, the Bruins’ practice facility, on Monday. “I signed here because I want my chance to win a championship. I’m really invested in what I do, and I’m putting all my heart in it. I’m here for six years, and I will put my heart into being a Bruin and trying to win the Stanley Cup here. That for sure helps, and it kind of settles me down and helps me to focus better.”

Additionally, Zadorov is seeking consistency and more steady play as he grows older as opposed to his younger self. 

“It’s experience and maturity,” Zadorov said. “When I was younger, I would go for hits when I didn’t need to. It’s definitely a learning point for me. You want to get physical, but consistency is the most important thing for a defenseman. It took me some time to figure some stuff out on the ice. You don’t want to be a high-risk player. You want to be consistent by preparing yourself. I’m trying to find this sweet spot in the middle.” 

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