I think Sway and Freddy take 1M more on their each of their contracts, especially since they filed for arb now. Also think Bergy comes back for one more year

If Zadina couldn't crack a weak Detroit lineup, what makes you think he'll have any chance to crack the powerhouse Boston lineup?

It's not much of a powerhouse lineup anymore with Bertuzzi, Hall, Kreijci, and Bergeron not in it. In fact, it's prime for a guy with upside like Zadina to really find his game being slotted next to someone like Pasternak or Marchand. Especially on a team with good defensive/goaltending depth so he can focus on filling nets with pucks.

So without Bergeron and Krejci they'll be expecting Zadina to actually play defense and be a responsible 200' player to fill the void left by Bergeron and Krejci. Yea, he won't be filling nets as he'll be too busy complaining that he has to backcheck.

i actually think just the Czech dynamic maybe he's a bit happier in BOS, and with players like Pasta and Zacha i don't think he'll be too exposed when he doesn't back-check.
I don't think he deserves a top-6 spot, but maybe worth the flyer on a small deal like this. He's still so young, and Boston has nothing special in terms of prospects. Need to stock the shelves somehow

That said, kill that Ethan Bear signing, have no use for him at all, and need the flexibility of 14 forwards with Lauko needing a full time spot

Zadina is a reliable defensive player. That's never been his issue.

He does play decent defence. He’ll be asked to do the same no matter which team he plays for. He struggles to find separation in the offensive zone to create chances. If he starts cheating to try and score more, no coach is going to play him. His career will be very short. My bet is whatever team signs him it will be on a 1 year contract. They’ll realize what Detroit already knows and he won’t be offered a new deal. He’ll follow jesse puljujarvi to Europe in 2024.