Nikita Zadorov Is Hoping To Meet This Legendary Bruins Defenseman

New Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov revealed he had offers from other teams, including the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche, but ultimately opted to sign with Boston simply because he wants to win.

“Money is great, but I want to win,” Zadorov told Responsible Gambling’s Daria Tuboltseva. “The Bruins were the best option, both in terms of hockey, which is always a priority, and family.”

After inking a six-year, $30 million contract with the Bruins on July 1, Zadorov and his family made their way to Boston to begin the transition from Canada to the United States. They met with various members of the organization on July 8.

“The Bruins welcomed us very nicely,” he said. “Our main intention was to find a new home and school for the children. We did just that. I also attended practice and met with the general manager, head coach, staff and some players.”

Unfortunately for the 29-year-old defenseman, there is one player he has admired from afar for many years and hopes to meet at some point — legendary blue liner Zdeno Chara.

“He lives in Boston, and I would love to meet and talk to him,” Zadorov said. “I want to know what helped him to play at such a high level for so long.”

Zadorov’s former teammates in Colorado, Calgary, Buffalo, and Vancouver had nicknamed him “Big Z.” Now that he will wear the Spoked-B, he made it clear he doesn’t want his Bruins teammates or the fans to call him that. He reiterated why he has so much respect for the 2011 Stanley Cup champion.

“I’m far from Chara. I heard that he came to every training camp and was the best at tests until the age of 40,” he explained. “He did 30 pull-ups at once and cycling tests better than anyone else. That’s why he played so long and has so much respect in the league.”

The mammoth defenseman stands at 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds and has landed 1,768 hits and recorded 146 points (47 goals, 99 assists) in 642 NHL games. He will undoubtedly bring snarl and talent to the Bruins’ blue line and complement Boston’s workhorse Charlie McAvoy.

“The most important thing is dedication,” Zadorov said. “You become a star only if you dedicate your life to the game of hockey. Every minute of it. It’s about character and leadership. It’s all or nothing.

“I have that, but not on the same level as top players like (Nathan) MacKinnon, (Connor) McDavid, (Sidney) Crosby and Chara. These guys have a different mindset. That’s what makes them great at their sports.”

Bruins fans will likely have to wait until September to get a glimpse of Zdorov on ice in Black and Gold since his summer workouts take place in Florida. Boston’s 2024 training camp opens on Wednesday, Sept. 18.