Nikita Zadorov Sends Clear Warning to Boston Bruins Front Office
But that's exactly the situation the Bruins find themselves in one season after winning 47 games and making it to the second round of the playoffs.
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And while some of the team's lack of success was because of poor play (and the struggles of goaltender Jeremy Swayman), a lot of it can be chalked up to having to overcome devastating injuries to star defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy, who missed a combined 97 games due to a fractured patella and AC joint injuries (plus a staph infection), respectively.
But as the Bruins cleaned out their lockers following a 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils in their regular-season finale, there seemed to be an overwhelming sense that the players won't let this kind of failure happen again.
So when star defenseman Nikita Zadorov spoke to reporters, he intimated that with the core that's already in place, Boston's front office needs to add the right pieces in the offseason because the Bruins are in their win-now window.
'I mean, what — are they going to be wasting (David Pastrnak) Pasta's years?' Zadorov scoffed. 'I mean, I don't have many years left. Both Lindys [Hampus and Elias Lindholm] C-Mac [Charlie McAvoy]. So obviously, it's a win or nothing in here.'
Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov (91) looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first period at Wells Fargo Center.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Attracting premium free agents has never been an issue for the Bruins.
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Typically among the NHL's leaders in wins and points, Boston is known for fielding gritty, tenacious, competitive teams that can score goals just as easily as it can send opposing skaters into the boards.
And though general manager Don Sweeney likely doesn't need any help selling his organization to potential free agents, Zadorov helped him out with a pretty convincing sales pitch.
'Why would they not want to come here?' Zadorov asked. 'I mean, it's an Original Six team. It's a great city to play in. We have one of the best players in the world (Pastrnak). We have one of the best goalies in the world. We have two really good defensemen who were out pretty much for a whole year. We have all the pieces for the future.
'… And that was a clear message today. So I think…it's going to be an exciting summer, and it's going to be exciting for us to see our new teammates, whoever is going to come and join us.'
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