Bruins Scratch Zadorov for Discipline Issues
Head coach Marco Sturm sits the defenseman following a string of recent penalties.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hockey
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Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm made defenseman Nikita Zadorov a healthy scratch for the team's matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. The decision comes as the coach seeks improved on-ice discipline from the veteran player.
Why it matters
The move aims to send a message regarding penalty accumulation, as the coach prioritizes discipline to maintain team effectiveness. Sturm is holding his roster accountable following Zadorov's performance issues in prior contests.
Zadorov, who signed a six-year, $30 million contract in July 2024, played 81 games during the 2025-26 season. He finished that campaign with a total of 152 penalty minutes.
The players
Marco Sturm
He serves as the head coach of the Boston Bruins and is responsible for team management and on-ice discipline.
Nikita Zadorov
He is a defenseman for the Boston Bruins who signed a major multi-year contract in 2024.
The details
Coach Sturm cited a need for better discipline following penalties Zadorov received against the Anaheim Ducks. Despite the scratch, the Boston Bruins successfully defeated the Los Angeles Kings with a final score of 4-1.
Timeline
July 2024: Nikita Zadorov signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Bruins.
2025-26 season: Zadorov played 81 games and recorded 152 penalty minutes.
October 17, 2026: The Bruins played the Kings.
Season Trajectory
This roster move signals a tightening of disciplinary standards as the Bruins look to maintain a competitive edge early in the schedule. The coaching staff is balancing the long-term investment in Zadorov against the immediate need for reliable, penalty-free play to secure points in the standings.
The absence of Zadorov from the lineup requires a defensive rotation shift for the upcoming schedule. Fantasy managers should monitor the team's defensive pairings closely to see how ice time is redistributed during his benching.
The takeaway
Effective team management often requires difficult personnel decisions to correct behavioral trends on the ice. Coaches prioritize overall discipline to ensure that high-value contracts translate into reliable performance during game situations.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves and performance, visit Boston Hockey.
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Do you believe professional athletes should accept disciplinary benching as a normal part of business?
