The Boston Bruins have a tradition of big, rangy defenders, from future Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara to Adam McQuaid and Brandon Carlo, and now Nikita Zadorov. Soon, Kristian Kostadinski may join those ranks. The Bruins drafted the 6-foot-6, 220-pound defenseman in the seventh round of the 2023 draft. Currently, Kostadinski is showcasing his skills for Sweden at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Michigan, where his size and defensive prowess have made a significant impact on the Tre Kronor blueline. In a surprisingly physical tournament for early August, Kostadinski has brought a much-needed edge to his team.
“Yeah, I like it,” Kostadinski said of the physicality. “When we play USA or Canada, I like those harder games.”
The smaller North American ice surface, often a challenge for European players, suits Kostadinski’s game. “For my game, it’s better on the small ice,” he explained. “I go in and out of the corners faster. It’s good for me.”
Born and raised in Gothenburg, Kostadinski is a product of the renowned Frolunda program, which has produced NHL stars like Rasmus Dahlin and Lucas Raymond. “It has meant so much,” Kostadinski said. “I played there my whole life, starting when I was young. They taught me everything about hockey and life.”
Now setting out for North America, Kostadinski will play this season in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, a team known for developing European talent. Playing for the Fighting Saints allows him to hone his skills while maintaining NCAA eligibility, and he has already visited one potential college.
“I just visited Boston College when I was at development camp in Boston and it was so amazing, so nice,” he said. “It was so different from Sweden and that was special. Just how big it was… it was so nice.”
While this assessment excites Boston College fans, Kostadinski plans to explore other schools before making a final decision. He also aims to be patient with his development, absorbing all the advice from the Bruins staff. “They see me as a defensive defenseman who plays hard,” he noted. “I need to get better with my skating and they’re helping me with that right now. Their development guy is Adam McQuaid and he has helped me a lot; he’s a really good guy.”
Kostadinski also admires NHLer Nikita Zadorov, so with mentors like Zadorov and McQuaid, the youngster is in good hands. With continued work on his mobility and more time building up his imposing frame, Kostadinski has the potential to join the ranks of Boston’s big, tough defenders. If he can help Sweden secure a medal at the 2025 World Juniors in Ottawa, all the better.
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