According to a recent report from an NHL insider, the Toronto Maple Leafs nearly stole a key player from the Bruins.

A new report has come out and revealed that the Toronto Maple Leafs nearly added one of the league's most physical players to their roster. That player is none other than Nikita Zadorov.

Ultimately the Boston Bruins ended up coming out on top, signing Nikita Zadorov during free agency last year.

Elliotte Friedman recently came out and revealed just how close the Maple Leafs were to acquiring the hard-hitting defenseman.

Bruins outbid Maple Leafs by $500,000

One of the most trusted NHL insiders in the game, Elliotte Friedman revealed on one of his recent 32 Thoughts episodes that the Maple Leafs came close to signing Zadorov.

The Leafs were offering Zadorov up to $5.5 million per year, while the Bruins went just above them, offering him $5 million less money, but gave him a six-year deal.

"According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts column, the Leafs were willing to offer up to $5.5 million per year for Zadorov, while Boston went slightly higher with a six-year, $30 million contract, edging Toronto by roughly $500,000."

-Chris Gosselin, Hockey Feed

Zadorov has fit in perfectly with the Boston Bruins. Although last year was disappointing, this year Zadorov has stepped up, has been a big leader for the team, and has brought true meaning back to the 'Big Bad Bruins.'

Toronto, on the other hand, ended up turning to Oliver Ekman-Larsson, signing him to a four-year, $3.5 million deal, and Chris Tanev, who was signed to a six-year, $4.5 million deal.

The Maple Leafs came close to stealing Zadorov from the Bruins. Thankfully they didn't as he has been a key player for them this season.