Player Discussion Nikita Zadorov

[Hookslide]

Honestly I think the D would have been fine without the injuries. Mac was having an off year before his injury like most everyone, but Hampus was a real loss. And even an off-year Mac is far better than a prime Mitchell, Lohrei, Wotherspoon, Callahan, Oosterle (before he left). The forward corps is a shit show, truly.

I am concerned with the Hampus injury, I hope it is worry that will be proven unnecessary. I was really high on the defense before the season started, but many were having a tough year even before the injuries. I think you might prove to be right if healthy this D can be very effective. I am in total agreement with you this forward group is just awful, and nothing in the pipeline.

 

[BourqueFromORRk4277]

That's because they're f***ing idiots.

Zadorov is fine. He will be even better when he's not playing as their #1 d-man and can move to the #3-4 spot once Lindholm and Mac are back.

Whether you agree or disagree with +/-, the fact that he's a +15 on a team that's -54 is hilarious.

It seems to be mostly due to empty net goals for/against.

The Bruins have scored 15 goals with Zad on the ice vs 3 goals against with the opposing goalie pulled. +12 He's -1 at 5v5.

While at the same time, the B's top offensive players have pretty substantial -'s with their goalie pulled. Pasta is the worst with 19 goals against vs 2 goals for. -17

Zad's +/- has benefited mightily from being on the ice against empty nets, and not with his goalie pulled, while a good portion of the Bruins' usual top +/- players have taken a big hit from being on the ice with their goalie pulled.

Just goes to show how risky pulling the goalie can be.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

It seems to be mostly due to empty net goals for/against.

The Bruins have scored 15 goals with Zad on the ice vs 3 goals against with the opposing goalie pulled. +12 He's -1 at 5v5.

While at the same time, the B's top offensive players have pretty substantial -'s with their goalie pulled. Pasta is the worst with 19 goals against vs 2 goals for. -17

Zad's +/- has benefited mightily from being on the ice against empty nets, and not with his goalie pulled, while a good portion of the Bruins' usual top +/- players have taken a big hit from being on the ice with their goalie pulled.

Just goes to show how risky pulling the goalie can be.

Also shows what a bad stat plus/minus is

 

[quietbruinfan]

Zadorov has something of a leadership role. He is also not a particularly good hockey player. It is a bit of a conundrum. I would move him-just like his other five teams.

 

[Over the volcano]

It seems to be mostly due to empty net goals for/against.

The Bruins have scored 15 goals with Zad on the ice vs 3 goals against with the opposing goalie pulled. +12 He's -1 at 5v5.

While at the same time, the B's top offensive players have pretty substantial -'s with their goalie pulled. Pasta is the worst with 19 goals against vs 2 goals for. -17

Zad's +/- has benefited mightily from being on the ice against empty nets, and not with his goalie pulled, while a good portion of the Bruins' usual top +/- players have taken a big hit from being on the ice with their goalie pulled.

Just goes to show how risky pulling the goalie can be.

Remember how bad they were playing 5 v 6 last year?

Think Zadorov might be my front runner for 7th player. Other guys like Geekie might have a case but also are benefiting from their linemates more than the #5 defenseman who's been our #1 for a while now.

 

[Sheppy]

It seems to be mostly due to empty net goals for/against.

The Bruins have scored 15 goals with Zad on the ice vs 3 goals against with the opposing goalie pulled. +12 He's -1 at 5v5.

While at the same time, the B's top offensive players have pretty substantial -'s with their goalie pulled. Pasta is the worst with 19 goals against vs 2 goals for. -17

Zad's +/- has benefited mightily from being on the ice against empty nets, and not with his goalie pulled, while a good portion of the Bruins' usual top +/- players have taken a big hit from being on the ice with their goalie pulled.

Just goes to show how risky pulling the goalie can be.

Also shows trust of them having him out there in that situation.

 

[Sheppy]

Also shows what a bad stat plus/minus is

Why don’t you like him? And explain while leaving weird math equations at the door.

 

[quietbruinfan]

Why don’t you like him? And explain while leaving weird math equations at the door.

He lacks hockey sense and has zero lateral mobility. Hence you have all the turnovers and lots of needless hooking and holding pims.....

 

[Sheppy]

He lacks hockey sense and has zero lateral mobility. Hence you have all the turnovers and lots of needless hooking and holding pims.....

I think he moves pretty well for his size, especially skating with the puck. He’s not Cale Makar, his job is a shutdown physical d-man.

 

[Colt.45Orr]

He lacks hockey sense and has zero lateral mobility. Hence you have all the turnovers and lots of needless hooking and holding pims.....

Typical Zaddy-hater BS. He hasn't had 1 single hooking or holding PIM in 2025. I expect you to move the goalposts now, but I recommend that you just admit that you, well, just don't like him. That's fine... just be honest and don't act like it's an intellectual take.

 

[McBrom7]

I’m at the point where I don’t even think Zadorov “makes too much money” anymore. I’m pretty optimistic he will be a good 3-4D long term for this team. I would prefer he’s 4-5, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Big physical presence that moves well. Definitely has brain farts and losses coverage/turns the puck over, but that has gotten few and far in between on a garbage roster as the season has progressed. I don’t have tangible evidence but it’s felt like the penalties have decreased from the start of the year.

They have bigger problems with guys making above what they contribute on this roster.

 

[CDJ]

I’m at the point where I don’t even think Zadorov “makes too much money” anymore. I’m pretty optimistic he will be a good 3-4D long term for this team. I would prefer he’s 4-5, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Big physical presence that moves well. Definitely has brain farts and losses coverage/turns the puck over, but that has gotten few and far in between on a garbage roster as the season has progressed. I don’t have tangible evidence but it’s felt like the penalties have decreased from the start of the year.

They have bigger problems with guys making above what they contribute on this roster.

Totally agree with everything you said, I also don’t think people have adjusted their expectations to what an average contract looks like now. That number will keep going up and up and $5 mill is gonna be chump change by the end of zadorov’s contract

Him/Geekie/Pasta are the only enjoyable parts of this season imo…maybe watching healthy Kastelic play with some fire too

 

[Hookslide]

I’m at the point where I don’t even think Zadorov “makes too much money” anymore. I’m pretty optimistic he will be a good 3-4D long term for this team. I would prefer he’s 4-5, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Big physical presence that moves well. Definitely has brain farts and losses coverage/turns the puck over, but that has gotten few and far in between on a garbage roster as the season has progressed. I don’t have tangible evidence but it’s felt like the penalties have decreased from the start of the year.

They have bigger problems with guys making above what they contribute on this roster.

Good post might add where would they be without him.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

I’m at the point where I don’t even think Zadorov “makes too much money” anymore. I’m pretty optimistic he will be a good 3-4D long term for this team. I would prefer he’s 4-5, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Big physical presence that moves well. Definitely has brain farts and losses coverage/turns the puck over, but that has gotten few and far in between on a garbage roster as the season has progressed. I don’t have tangible evidence but it’s felt like the penalties have decreased from the start of the year.

They have bigger problems with guys making above what they contribute on this roster.

Great signing by DS, this guy hurts people with his clean hits. And most importantly he scares the shirt out of his opponents around the net.

Been a long time since we had a guy like this. His pay is irrelevant to me but his worth every dime.

 

[McBrom7]

Totally agree with everything you said, I also don’t think people have adjusted their expectations to what an average contract looks like now. That number will keep going up and up and $5 mill is gonna be chump change by the end of zadorov’s contract

Him/Geekie/Pasta are the only enjoyable parts of this season imo…maybe watching healthy Kastelic play with some fire too

I like what he brings off the ice too.. I think this team is devoid of leadership outside of Pasta. I’m not in the room so I don’t know if he’s a voice, but he’s definitely a guy who is trying to lead by example in my opinion.

I wish I got to see him play in the playoffs at the level he’s currently playing. I think he’s played some damn good hockey the past couple months. If he could contribute offensively I might even just call him a left handed Johnny Boychuck.

 

[sarge88]

IMO there are 5 aspects in hockey on which to judge a player.

Offense
Defense
Physical play
Leadership
Intimidation (not just physical, speed, skill and a willingness to play dirty can also be intimidating factors)

To me Zadorov is above average 4 of those areas……when slotted correctly.

Not a lot of players check that many boxes.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

IMO there are 5 aspects in hockey on which to judge a player.

Offense
Defense
Physical play
Leadership
Intimidation (not just physical, speed, skill and a willingness to play dirty can also be intimidating factors)

To me Zadorov is above average 4 of those areas……when slotted correctly.

Not a lot of players check that many boxes.

If that’s the case, why is he on his sixth team, and why is he only making $5M?

 

[PB37]

Makes his share of mistakes but the Bruins fans in me loves how he's a bit of a loose cannon and scares people when he closes in on them. Opposing players don't enjoy getting hit by Zadorov and it's been on display all season. He's a good player to have on our blueline. It's a shame the season turned it the way it did but Zadorov has been one of the few bright spots on team where most of the key players underachieved.

 

[sarge88]

If that’s the case, why is he on his sixth team, and why is he only making $5M?

Well his 5m is above the average salary for the league.

As for the six team question, it’s probably because 6 wanted what he brings.

Brett Hull and a lot of other great players played for 5+ teams too.

It’s all situational.

 

[Over the volcano]

If that’s the case, why is he on his sixth team, and why is he only making $5M?

Because six teams wanted him and his contract is a bargain

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Because six teams wanted him and his contract is a bargain

That’s certainly one way to spin it. I’m sure the same could be said for Anthony Duclair.

 

[sarge88]

That’s certainly one way to spin it. I’m sure the same could be said for Anthony Duclair.

Or Shanahan, Pronger, Francis, Jagr, Oates, Perry, Recchi, Andreychuk, Iginla, Gilmour, etc. etc.

 

[PlayMakers]

Bruins give up 6 goals to Buffalo. Zadorov plays almost 21 minutes, led the team with 17 Dzone starts (75%), throws 4 hits, blocks 3 shots and finishes +1.

HF fans: Terrible!