With the offseason heating up, the Boston Bruins are reportedly considering moving forward Pavel Zacha while his market value still holds weight.
NHL analyst Michael DeRosa of NHLTR is reporting that the Bruins are entertaining trade scenarios involving Zacha, an indication that the front office could be ready to make bold changes this summer.
With two years remaining on a contract worth $4.75M AAV, he’s viewed as a cap-friendly asset who still has enough scoring touch to help another team, especially one looking for depth down the middle.
A calculated move could help Bruins reset their long-term roster outlook
The idea behind the potential move isn’t just about numbers, it’s about direction.
As Boston works to retool on the fly, there’s a growing sense that they need to replenish their pipeline. That’s where Zacha becomes a potential trade chip. If there’s ever a time to make a value play, it’s now.
“There is no team that should be more desperate to add futures than the Boston Bruins,” said The Athletic’s Arpon Basu, weighing in on the situation.
From a front office standpoint, trading a player like Zacha, who’s still performing at a serviceable level, makes more sense than waiting until his value drops further.
Basu emphasized the kind of return Boston might seek:
“If Zacha can bring in a decent draft pick and a prospect with two years left on his contract, that would make a lot of sense for the Bruins to at least consider, even if it would mean dealing with the hated Canadiens.”
“That part — “even if it would mean dealing with the hated Canadiens” — offers a glimpse into how seriously Boston may be approaching this. Montreal has a clear need at center, and while Zacha might not be a seamless fit on its second line, it could do far worse.”
Zacha’s trade window may be closing, and Bruins GM Don Sweeney has a decision to make.
These are the moments that define a team’s offseason strategy. Letting go of a dependable forward like Zacha isn’t easy, especially for a club that once saw him as part of its core. But timing matters.
If the Bruins wait and Zacha’s production continues to dip, they may find themselves with a tougher contract to move.
Strike now, though, and Sweeney could bring in the kind of young pieces Boston badly needs.
And while parting with Zacha could disappoint some fans, it may be exactly the kind of proactive move the team needs to stay competitive in the years ahead.
As trade talks evolve and front offices start to get aggressive, one thing is clear: the Bruins are approaching this summer with open eyes and sharper intent.
Whether Zacha gets moved soon or later, it’s no longer a question of surprise — it’s a matter of value.
