Nikita Zadorov Provides Ideal Reasons For Free Agents To Join Bruins

BOSTON — After a disappointing season, the Boston Bruins are committed to being aggressive in pursuing free agents and trades this offseason.

At least that’s the message Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov received during his exit interview on Thursday at Warrior Ice Arena.

“They’re willing to do anything to win. And that was a clear message today,” Zadorov said. “So, I think it’s going to be exciting. 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.

“That’s what we expect. It’s the Boston Bruins. It’s a team of 100-year history. It’s an Original Six team. It’s an unbelievable organization. That’s what our fans expected from us, so I think that’s great.”

The Bruins missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season, but despite a disappointing campaign, Zadorov believes free agents will still see Boston as a premier destination.

“Why would they not want to come here? I mean, it’s an Original Six team. It’s a great city to play in,” he said. “We have one of the best players in the world. 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. We just need to add it up. We have a breakout player of the year, probably. So, I mean, it’s a great organization, great management, great leadership up top.”

Zadorov signed with the Black and Gold as a free agent last summer and has embraced all it means to be a Bruin.

“It’s awesome. I love living here, my family enjoys it here, kids and everybody. It’s a special place to be. It’s a pleasure to play here,” Zadorov said. “And I think that’s the message for sure, for the new guys going to come in this summer. And for the guys who are here, we have to know who you play for. You play for the ‘B’ on your chest.

“You can’t take it for granted. You know, you have to show up every day, work your [butt] off and play with pride and play with passion. You know, I think our fans really appreciate passion in here, and that’s definitely something I learned over this year, and I think I connected really well with that.”