May 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic (11) shake hands after the Panthers defeated the Bruins in game six of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
PLYMOUTH, MICH – The Boston Bruins have a pretty nice lineage of big, rangy defenders recently. First there was future Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara, then Adam McQuaid, Brandon Carlo and now Nikita Zadorov. Perhaps in the near future, Kristian Kostadinski will join those ranks.
Kostadinski is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound defenseman whom the Bruins drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 draft. Playing for Sweden at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Michigan, he has used his imposing size and defensive prowess to stand out on the Tre Kronor blueline. And in a tournament that has been chippier than one might have anticipated for early August, Kostadinski has brought a much-needed edge to his team. “Yeah, I like it,” he said of the physicality. “When we play USA or Canada, I like those harder games.” Playing on the smaller North American ice surface has often been a challenge for European kids, but for Kostadinski, it’s an advantage. There’s nowhere to hide when he’s patrolling the left side of the ice and his experience with various national teams has meant a familiarity with the rinks over here.
“For my game, it’s better on the small ice,” he said. “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 famed Frolunda program, whose recent NHL alumni include the likes of Rasmus Dahlin and Lucas Raymond. Needless to say, the organization holds a special place in his heart. “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.”
