BRIGHTON, Mass. – Nikita Zadorov has only been a member of the Boston Bruins for 10 days, but his ties to the team go further back.
The 29-year-old defenseman began his career with the Buffalo Sabres, which drafted him 16th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. After signing his entry-level contract, Zadorov made his debut during the 10th game of the 2013-14 season. He played just 11:01 in Buffalo’s 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 19, 2013.
However in his next game, Zadorov would make a much bigger impact. The Sabres would end up losing 5-2, but Zadorov scored his first NHL goal. The opposing team: Boston.
The young Russian received the puck at the point and cycled into the right circle past Bruins forward Carl Soderberg before chipping the puck past goalie Chad Johnson to cut Buffalo’s deficit to 3-2 late in the second period.
Recalling the moment nearly 11 years later, during his introductory press conference for the Bruins on Monday, one key detail about the play came to mind.
“‘Marchy’ [Brad Marchand] was on the ice,” Zadorov said. “He took a minus, so I’m going to let him know.”
Zadorov has already spoken to his new captain since he signed his six-year, $30 million contract. Both Marchand and Charlie McAvoy reached out shortly after he officially joined the team.
“[McAvoy] called me right after I signed,” Zadorov said. “Him and ‘Marchy,’ and we spoke. We had a good talk.”
The focus has shifted towards what the Bruins can accomplish this season, but just like any NHLer, Zadorov will always have fond memories about his first goal.
“I have a full frame with the puck and everything,” Zadorov said. “So it’s definitely a cool memory.”
