The Bruins are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading Pavel Zacha, one of their top centers, in exchange for a substantial return. While this might seem surprising given Zacha's value as a two-way center who can also shift to the wing when needed, the Bruins may be looking to retool their roster and move on from one of their few legitimate top-six talents.
Zacha is signed through the end of the 2026-27 season at a very reasonable $4.75 million cap hit, making him an attractive trade chip for other teams. He has averaged 54 points per season over his three full years in Boston and presents plenty of value as a faceoff specialist with a career-high 60.4 percent clip.
However, the Bruins are not rushing to make a deal, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who notes that they feel Zacha fits in well with their long-term plan and may even extend his contract this summer. But if Boston wants to accelerate their retool and add more young talent to their roster, dealing away Zacha could be an attractive option.
The pros of trading away Zacha include the potential for a substantial return, as he is considered a top trade chip among contending clubs. A team like the Canucks, who have expressed interest in acquiring him, might be willing to part ways with a top prospect or two to make the deal happen.
On the other hand, the cons of dealing away Zacha are evident, particularly if the Bruins are not solely viewing him as a trade chip but rather as a long-term fit. Morgan Geekie, another young center who was signed this past offseason, might fill the role that Zacha is expected to take on as he comes out of his prime.
Ultimately, the decision to deal away Zacha will depend on the Bruins' willingness to part with established talent in exchange for more young players or draft capital. As TSN and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun noted, the Bruins are likely to view Zacha as a long-term fit and may extend his contract this summer if they decide to keep him around.
For now, it seems that the Bruins are taking a cautious approach, focusing on their long-term plan rather than trying to make a quick trade. But as the season progresses, it's possible that their stance could change, and Zacha could become a more valuable asset in Boston's lineup.
Zacha is signed through the end of the 2026-27 season at a very reasonable $4.75 million cap hit, making him an attractive trade chip for other teams. He has averaged 54 points per season over his three full years in Boston and presents plenty of value as a faceoff specialist with a career-high 60.4 percent clip.
However, the Bruins are not rushing to make a deal, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who notes that they feel Zacha fits in well with their long-term plan and may even extend his contract this summer. But if Boston wants to accelerate their retool and add more young talent to their roster, dealing away Zacha could be an attractive option.
The pros of trading away Zacha include the potential for a substantial return, as he is considered a top trade chip among contending clubs. A team like the Canucks, who have expressed interest in acquiring him, might be willing to part ways with a top prospect or two to make the deal happen.
On the other hand, the cons of dealing away Zacha are evident, particularly if the Bruins are not solely viewing him as a trade chip but rather as a long-term fit. Morgan Geekie, another young center who was signed this past offseason, might fill the role that Zacha is expected to take on as he comes out of his prime.
Ultimately, the decision to deal away Zacha will depend on the Bruins' willingness to part with established talent in exchange for more young players or draft capital. As TSN and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun noted, the Bruins are likely to view Zacha as a long-term fit and may extend his contract this summer if they decide to keep him around.
For now, it seems that the Bruins are taking a cautious approach, focusing on their long-term plan rather than trying to make a quick trade. But as the season progresses, it's possible that their stance could change, and Zacha could become a more valuable asset in Boston's lineup.