JUST IN: Bruins sign top rated star at start of free agency
On Thursday, Don Sweeney was upfront about Boston’s priorities heading into free agency. “We’d like to deepen the middle of the ice,” Boston’s general manager stated. “We’ve focused on discussions with our group to identify the right player and make a timely pitch. We’ll also continue to strengthen our defense and complement the existing roster.”
Given Sweeney’s objectives, it was no surprise that Boston addressed both the center position and defense soon after NHL free agency began on Monday. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Bruins signed center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov, adding both defensive strength up front and size on the blue line.
Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports that Lindholm’s contract is for seven years at $7.5 million annually, while Zadorov’s deal is six years with a $5 million annual cap hit. This signing marks the third team Lindholm and Zadorov have played on together, following their time with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.
Lindholm, 29, has long been linked to the Bruins. Known as a strong 200-foot center, he has posted four seasons with over 50 points and was a runner-up for the 2021-22 Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward. Despite a down year in 2023-24, where he was often positioned on the wing in Vancouver, Lindholm still managed 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games and excelled in the postseason with 10 points in 13 games and a faceoff win rate of 56.4%.
There are questions about whether Lindholm is a true top-line center or an effective second-line player, but he is expected to take over as Boston’s top center. This move allows the Bruins to shift Pavel Zacha to the wing or slot Charlie Coyle further down the depth chart. A full season alongside David Pastrnak could see Lindholm regain his elite scoring touch from his 2021-22 season with Calgary (42 goals, 82 points).
Zadorov, 29, brings physicality to Boston’s defense. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 248 pounds, the Russian blueliner is known for his physical play, having recorded six seasons with at least 175 hits. In 2023-24, Zadorov had his best season with Calgary and Vancouver, scoring six goals and 20 points in 75 games while adding 177 hits and 68 blocks. He further impressed in the postseason, scoring four goals and eight points in 13 games.
Zadorov will join the left side of Boston’s defense, potentially partnering with Charlie McAvoy or fitting into a third-pairing role. With Lindholm and Zadorov’s combined cap hit of $12.75 million, Boston may need to look for bargain scoring options this offseason, especially with Jeremy Swayman’s expected pay raise.