BOSTON — Nikita Zadorov is already making a strong impression on his teammates, including Brad Marchand who admitted playing against defenseman was something he disliked.
“Hate him,” the Bruins captain joked Wednesday when asked what he’s thought of Zadorov thus far. “He’s amazing. He’s an absolute animal. He can do it all. He has offensive abilities. He’s big, he’s mean, he doesn’t care. He’s a predator out there and I absolutely love it. I played against him and I hated it.”
Zadorov, who signed a six-year deal with the Bruins in the offseason, brings even more size and physicality to an already-large blue line. But aside from being tough to play against, Marchand praised the newcomer for how he carries himself among the team, noting he’s “great off the ice, on the bench and in the room.”
“He’s always yapping, keeping things light, keeping guys on their toes, so (an) incredible addition to the group. I think he’s fitting great,” Marchand said. “So, really happy to have him here.”
Zadorov will make his preseason debut Thursday against the New York Rangers and will be paired with Charlie McAvoy — who he skated with during practice on Wednesday. And while Zadorov will be the first to admit that he’s a “defense-first” type of player, he’s excited to show off the offensive side of his game — especially given the fact coach Jim Montgomery encourages the defensemen to contribute offensively — while remaining physical.
“I love the offensive game,” Zadorov said. “I’m enjoying that, I love jumping on the rush and making plays. It gives me pretty good joy to do that, especially in such a skilled group in here and such a skilled partner in Charlie.”
But as much as he loves the offensive side of hockey, Zadorov’s goal is to put his defense first.
“There’s always a time and place for specific plays. My physical game is not going to go away, that’s why I’m in the league and that’s why people pay me money. That’s why they signed me,” he said. “So, that’s my goal, is defense first.”
As a 6-foot-5 defenseman, it’s no surprise Zadorov plays a physical game — and enjoys it.
“Obviously physically it’s a little bit easier for a guy my size to be physical and try to close plays and intimidate players and piss them off,” he said. “It’s my role, and I’m embracing it and I’m enjoying it.”
