I think the contract is very much too rich for what he does on the ice, and I bet Bruins fans are also going to feel it with this salary cap. For me, he's a third pairing guy, who occasionally can spot for 2nd pair. In the playoffs, he excels.
But man, you got the best personality of the NHL. He's quote machine, a real locker room jester. Media will love him, fans as well. And for me, he will always get points for being one of the few Russians to be outspoken against Putin and especially the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
I have always maintained I wanted him back to Colorado, but he has had his pricetag inflated. And that's why he keeps changing teams. Milstein does a good job. But the backend of this deal could actually look, decent? If the salary cap keeps going up aggressively.
I will forever call him big Z, like I did when he played for Colorado. Hoping for many wins against the Leafs, big hits, and funny quotes.