Nikita Zadorov gushes over Bruins legend Zdeno Chara

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. 

During his recent media session with Bruins reporters, Zadorov touched on a number of subjects including what nickname fans can refer to him with. But don't try and use the nickname "Big Z", because that belongs to former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara! And that request comes specifically from Zadorov himself, a noted fan of Chara's. 

Meanwhile, Zadorov had no shortage of positive superlatives when talking about his new teammate in Charlie McAvoy, with whom he could find himself paired with when the season kicks off in the fall. 

"With Charlie, I’ve been watching him a lot," Zadorov said. "He’s one of my favorite D-man in the league, for sure. The way he plays, he’s got some grit. When he hits open-ice hits, I think that will fit well with me. He played unbelievably in the Toronto series. It was definitely fun to watch." 

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