Joining an Original Six franchise stood as a no-brainer for Nikita Zadorov this offseason, with the 6-foot-6 defenseman inking a six-year deal with Boston shortly after free agency commenced on July 1.
Boston’s reputation as a winning franchise appealed to Zadorov. But the Bruins’ century-long history filled with hockey legends did create a small conundrum — a run on jersey numbers for the Bruins’ free-agent pickup.
Even though Zadorov has primarily worn the No. 16 jersey during his 11 seasons in the NHL, the 29-year-old blueliner had to pivot with Boston — considering that said jersey number now hangs above the TD Garden rafters in honor of Rick Middleton.