Bruins after dark

If there’s one message Nikita Zadorov made crystal clear during his end-of-season remarks, it’s that the Boston Bruins won’t accept another year like this one.

Not from the players.

Not from the front office.

And certainly not from a franchise that defines itself on legacy.

Zadorov, speaking Thursday from Warrior Ice Arena, didn’t mince words as he recapped the season and previewed what’s ahead for the Black and Gold.

They’re willing to do anything to win.

And that was a clear message today

Zadorov said.

So, I think it’s going to be exciting.

It’s going to be an exciting summer, and it’s going to be exciting for us to see our new teammates, whoever is going to come and join us.

Despite the Bruins missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign, Zadorov emphasized that Boston should still be viewed as a premier landing spot for any top-tier player.

Why would they not want to come here?

he asked.

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.

We have one of the best goalies in the world.

We have two really good defensemen who were out pretty much for a whole year.

We have all the pieces for the future.

We just need to add it up.

We have a breakout player of the year, probably.

So, I mean, it’s a great organization, great management, great leadership up top.

Zadorov is referring to the likes of David Pastrnak, Jeremy Swayman, and a healthy blue line featuring Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm—all key cornerstones who could benefit from one or two major offseason additions.

Playing in Boston ‘a special place’ for Zadorov

Zadorov, who signed with Boston last summer, has embraced everything that comes with wearing the spoked-B.

And after just one season in black and gold, it’s clear the 29-year-old defenseman is fully bought in.

It’s awesome. I love living here, my family enjoys it here, kids and everybody. It’s a special place to be. It’s a pleasure to play here

he said.

And I think that’s the message for sure, for the new guys going to come in this summer.

And for the guys who are here, we have to know who you play for.

You play for the ‘B’ on your chest.

You can’t take it for granted.

You have to show up every day, work your [butt] off and play with pride and play with passion.

I think our fans really appreciate passion in here, and that’s definitely something I learned over this year, and I think I connected really well with that.

With the offseason already underway for the Bruins, Zadorov’s words serve as both a reminder and a rallying cry. Boston’s core is in its prime.

The window is open.

And Zadorov has made it known: mediocrity isn’t going to cut it in this city.