Flavin Media

I asked the Bruins for one word to describe Nikita Zadorov:

"Presence."

"Brutal."

“Scary. That guy’s [expletive] scary.”

Here's a scouting report on Boston's new blueliner — in the words of his new teammates:

For @BGlobeSports: https://t.co/H1Tb6fGdwQ

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) October 7, 2024

The 2024–2025 Boston Bruins will be built on their heavier defense and (hopefully) elite goaltending. The offense should hopefully come along as the season progresses.

Bruins 2024–2025 Regular Season Record: 42–28–12 (96 Points)
Most Impactful: Elias Lindholm
Best Defenseman: Charlie McAvoy
Unsung Hero: Johnny Beecher

This is a team that will have previous players freed up by new acquisitions but will lack forward depth down the stretch. With a cap situation that, again, is not the most enviable, GM Don Sweeney will have to make magic happen if he wants to accumulate more wins than expected and make louder noise in the postseason.

A certain new two-way center and bruising defenseman will make a major impact for themselves and their teammates. The postseason will await us—but the progression of the offense, week to week, will tell us if this team is ready for the Cup.