I know it's not an apples to apples comparison due to completely different rosters, but just based on stats alone I think we dodged massive bullets with Zadorov and Lindholm walking away. Lindholm has had some monster seasons, but also WAY too many 40-ish point seasons to justify a long term contract worth nearly 8m a year.
Zadorov 0+5 in in 17 games (5 million x 6 years)
Lindholm 2+7 in 17 games (7.75 x 7 years)
Compare that with Heinen and DeBrusk:
Heinen 3+4 in 14 games (2.25 x 2 years)
DeBrusk 3+6 in 14 games (5.5 x 7 years)
Still too early to really say, and both Zadorov and Lindholm will be judged more so on post season performance (provided Boston gets there).
Same for DeBrusk, really.
Zadorov has always been a bit streaky and inconsistent, but when he’s on, he’s a monster. And at least Lindholm can provide some solid defense if he’s not putting up offense.
I don’t wish either of those guys any ill will, but I’d be delighted if Boston would just fall flat and stop being a playoff team, because f*** Brad Marchand.