Even before NHL free agency officially began, the Boston Bruins had their sights set on two key targets. Shortly after noon on July 1, the Bruins announced they had agreed to terms with center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov, addressing significant needs early on.
“We checked off a lot of boxes with two key components,” said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney after the signings. “We feel they will internally increase our competition.”
The contracts given to Lindholm and Zadorov reflect how keen the Bruins were to add them. Lindholm will earn $54.25 million over the next seven years, making it the largest free-agent contract in Bruins history. This deal is two years longer and $20 million more than anticipated, according to AFP Analytics. Zadorov’s six-year, $30 million contract was slightly cheaper but also longer than expected.
These are significant investments by Sweeney, but their worth will only be determined over time. The Bruins needed a top-line center and more heft on defense this summer. However, both Lindholm and Zadorov had down years last season and are nearing 30.
General managers are judged not only by the moves they make but also by the ones they don’t. Despite targeting Lindholm and Zadorov early, the Bruins had other options. Comparable centers Sean Monahan and Chandler Stephenson were also available. Monahan, who signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, shares a similar skill set with Lindholm but has a lengthy injury history. Stephenson signed a seven-year, $43.75 million deal with the Seattle Kraken, which is considered one of the worst contracts in the NHL by Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic.
Although the Bruins may have overpaid for Lindholm, they did better than other teams in the market. They also found a good fit with Zadorov, balancing their needs without compromising on-ice ability or financial flexibility. Cheaper options like Brenden Dillon or more offensive players like Brady Skjei were available, but Zadorov provided a balanced solution.
“The presence that [Zadorov] brings is important to us,” Sweeney said. “Playing a lot of top-four minutes in the playoffs against top guys, he comes with a bit of swagger, he has certainly seen his game grow and probably get a little more defined in terms of what he’s capable of doing.”
After signing Lindholm, Zadorov, and other players this offseason, the Bruins have a projected $8.36 million in remaining cap space, according to Puckpedia. With Jeremy Swayman still needing a new contract, the Bruins have limited but potentially sufficient financial flexibility.