Defenceman Nikita Zadorov signs six-year deal with Boston Bruins

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov (91) plays against the Nashville Predators during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV/AP)

After an impressive campaign with the Vancouver Canucks, Nikita Zadorov is headed to Boston.

The defenceman signed a six-year, $30-million contract with the Boston Bruins on Monday, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The deal carries a $5 million AAV.

Zadorov was acquired by the Canucks in November 2023 from the Calgary Flames in exchange for two draft picks. He subsequently played 54 games with the Canucks, scoring five goals and 14 points while averaging 17:04 TOI. He added another four goals and four assists in 13 playoff games. 

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced Friday that the team had made its best attempt to retain the defenceman but that he had ultimately decided to go elsewhere.

Zadorov, 29, enjoyed his most productive season in 2021-22 while with the Flames, recording 22 points in 72 games while averaging 16:54 TOI. 

The Russian was selected 16th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres and played there for two seasons. In addition to the Sabres, Flames and Canucks, Zadorov also spent four seasons with the Colorado Avalanche and one with the Chicago Blackhawks. 

July 1, 2024

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Nikita Zadorov
Defense
AGE: 29
SIGNED BY
Boston Bruins
LENGTH
6 yrs
CONTRACT TYPE
Free Agency
SALARY CAP HIT
$5 M
TOTAL
$30 M

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