It takes only a few minutes perusing through Nikita Zadorov’s highlight reel to glean why the 29-year-old defenseman was so coveted by Boston this offseason.
The Russian-born defenseman is more than just a bruising player. He’s a presence out on the frozen sheet, with teams taking notice every time the 6-foot-6, 248-pound Zadorov hopes over the boards for his latest punishing stroll along the ice.
Boston’s decision to hand him a six-year, $30 million deal is certainly rooted in his reputation as one of the most intimidating players in the league — with his propensity for hitting skaters like a freight train, snuffing out post-whistle shenanigans, and clearing out Grade-A ice all valued, especially come the postseason against teams like the Panthers.