Nikita Zadorov did not mince words in expressing what many Boston Bruins fans were thinking after a forgettable season, which ended with the team at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and tied for last place in the Eastern Conference.
Tuesday’s loss to the New Jersey Devils capped a bitter chapter for the franchise. Despite the team’s struggles and the absence of playoff action, star forward David Pastrnak delivered an outstanding individual campaign. Aware of this, Zadorov emphasized that the Bruins cannot afford to squander elite seasons from a player of Pastrnak’s caliber.
“I mean, it’s an Original Six team, it’s a great city to play in, we have one of the best players in the world (Pastrnak), we have one of the best goalies in the world (Jeremy Swayman). We have two really good d-men who were out pretty much the whole year (Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm). We have all the pieces for the future,” Zadorov said in a candid and passionate tone, as quoted by The Boston Globe’s Conor Ryan.
The Russian defenseman continued, highlighting the organization’s ambition: “We have a great president, a great GM, they’re willing to do anything to win, and they gave us a clear message today, so it’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be exciting, going to be an exciting summer, and it’s going to be exciting to see our new teammates. Whoever is going to come and join us.”
David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at TD Garden on April 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Finally, Zadorov closed with a rhetorical question that carried a blunt warning: “What are they going to do? Waste Pasta’s years?… It’s win or nothing in here for sure.” His remarks echoed the frustration of Bruins fans and underscored the urgency for a shift in direction.
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Charlie McAvoy makes something clear to Joe Sacco, David Pastrnak, rest of the team about Bruins’ disastrous season
A crucial restructuring on the horizon for the Bruins
This upcoming offseason promises to be decisive for the future of the Boston Bruins. After last season’s second-round playoff elimination at the hands of the Florida Panthers, the front office sought to retool the roster by acquiring Elias Lindholm and Zadorov. However, these moves fell short of expectations. Lindholm finished with 47 points, while Zadorov led the league in penalty minutes—an aggressive edge that didn’t necessarily translate into team success.
What’s next for the Bruins?
While David Pastrnak remains the cornerstone of the franchise, the supporting cast around him has changed dramatically. Franchise icons Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have retired. Veteran winger Brad Marchand was traded to the Panthers, and Charlie Coyle was also dealt. In this context, Boston faces a pivotal offseason in which smart, impactful roster decisions must be made.
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To avoid wasting the prime of Pastrnak’s career, the Bruins must execute a bold and strategic transformation. The mandate is clear: build a contender—or risk letting another generational talent slip through an era of missed opportunities.
