Two More Players Currently On The Hot Seat For The Boston Bruins After A Coaching Change

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Joshua Deeds
November 24, 2024 (12:34)

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The Boson Bruins made two huge signings over the offseason, former Canucks Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadarov. Both players were handed nice contracts and huge expectations along with them.

The expectations were that Lindholm would find himself in a top-six center role, and as someone who has "Patrice Bergeron" qualities, play a sound two-way game.

In 21 Games Lindholm has tallied only 10 points( 3 G, 7 A) and his production hasn't matched the contract value arguably.

He had a solid start to the season, putting up five points in his first three games wearing the spoked B, but has since fallen off, posting the same number of points over the following 18

In the last 5 games, Lindholm's only posted 1 point against the Utah Hockey Club and while Montgomery was in town he failed to produce a point.

While he did take accountability for his lack of production recently, it's a stark contrast to the player we've seen in Vancouver and Calgary. Someone who would easily find himself on a NHL All-Star Roster, and Selke Trophy nominee.

Now, he's dredging through the season and has yet to find his rhythm.

Lindholm currently carries a cap hit of $7.75 Million AAV and is in year one of seven.

Nikita Zadarov

Nikita Zadarov is a bruising defenseman, who can make explosive hits, and has some offensive upside.

While he's not a two-way defenseman, he adds a physical presence many teams would want on the ice. A literal embodiment of the "Big, Bad Bruin" prototype, but lately he plays like an undisciplined ox.

Running through a china shop, and destroying everything in sight, with 46 PIMs and only 5 points to add.

He also leads the league in penalty minutes with 46: some of these are to be expected as a physical defenseman but he has taken some calls that have been careless and harmful to his team.

The Bruins will have to consider the future of these former Cancucks if they're unable to produce up to expectations.

Over the next seven years, the team has over $84 million hung up on Lindholm and Zadorov. If both of these contracts do not pan out, the Bruins are in trouble; it will be very difficult to contend with that much money stuck with players who are not producing, and they will be difficult to move if their subpar play continues.

Should the Bruins move Nikita Zadarov or Elias Lindholm first?