In a recent Zoom call, Elias Lindholm expressed his excitement about joining the Boston Bruins and acknowledged the similarities in his playing style to that of Patrice Bergeron. Lindholm emphasized that he was not comparing himself to the future Hall of Famer, but he hoped to bring a similar three-zone detail to the team and contribute to their pursuit of a Stanley Cup. Lindholm’s signing is seen as a positive move for the Bruins, who have long been interested in him as a player.
The Bruins also made a significant addition to their defense by signing Nikita Zadorov, who is seen as the closest approximation to Zdeno Chara since his departure from the team. Zadorov, a 6-foot-6, 248-pound defenseman, is known for his physical presence and ability to thrive in close-quarters combat. However, he made it clear that he does not want to be referred to as “Big Z” like Chara. Zadorov is expected to bring a new element to the team’s defense and provide support for top defenseman Charlie McAvoy.
Matt Poitras, who has drawn comparisons to David Krejci, also made positive remarks about his recovery from shoulder surgery. Poitras stated that he is feeling good and getting stronger, which is promising news for the Bruins. The team has shown a willingness to embrace its past by signing players who remind them of former key contributors.
The Bruins also signed Max Jones, Cole Koepke, Jordan Oesterle, Billy Sweezey, and Jeffrey Viel. Among these players, Jones, a first-round pick from 2016, is expected to have the best chance of making the roster in the near future. Overall, the Bruins started the day with around $23 million in cap space and should have enough left to re-sign Jeremy Swayman, their top goalie prospect.
Lindholm has been highly regarded by the Bruins for some time, and they were interested in acquiring him when he was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013. They saw an opportunity to add him to their roster this year when the Calgary Flames put him on the trade market. Although Lindholm’s production dropped after the trade, the Bruins have confidence in his ability to excel in a top-line role and make a significant impact on their power play and penalty killing units.
Zadorov’s defensive skills and physicality should complement McAvoy’s play and provide him with more freedom to contribute offensively. McAvoy had a slightly down year in terms of possession in the previous season, so bringing him back to his expected level is a priority for the Bruins. With Zadorov on the top pair, Lindholm could return to his second-pair position alongside Brandon Carlo, while Mason Lohrei could see third-pair minutes with Andrew Peeke.
The Bruins’ biggest challenge remains their lack of scoring on the wing. The departures of Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and James van Riemsdyk have weakened their wing depth, but the team acknowledges that they had to prioritize signing centers and defensemen due to the salary cap limitations. Pavel Zacha could potentially fill the left wing spot alongside Lindholm and David Pastrnak, allowing Charlie Coyle to center the second line with Brad Marchand and Trent Frederic.
Overall, the Bruins have made strategic moves to improve their roster and address key areas of need. While they may be lacking in wing scoring, they have added depth at center and defense, which should strengthen their overall lineup. With players like Lindholm, Zadorov, and Poitras joining the team, there is optimism that the Bruins can make a strong push for another Stanley Cup.