It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of preseason games, which means the regular season will start soon. The focus has been on contract talks, but there’s also chatter regarding certain players. General managers are doing everything they can to get their rosters ready before the start of the 2025-26 campaign. Some deals may be too good to pass up as teams think about the future.
One team that could be in the market to make a deal is the Boston Bruins. This edition of NHL rumours looks at a possible centre that could be had for the right price.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins Centre Could Be Traded for Right Price
Rumour: Insider Frank Seravalli appeared on Canucks Central and the name of Pavel Zacha came up. Seravalli mentioned that the Czech forward could be had if the right deal comes along.
Analysis: Zacha is trying to bounce back from a down season that saw him only get 14 goals. Last season was the lowest goal-total of his career since he tallied eight in the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season.
We’ve seen the former sixth overall choice in the 2015 NHL Draft hit the 20-goal mark twice. Zacha’s career-high in goals in 21, which he achieved in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns.
He is getting $4.75 million per season until the end of the 2026-27 season. This deal is one one the more middle of the road deals on the Bruins’ payroll. However, that hasn’t prevented Zacha’s name from appearing in the rumour mill.
Boston has been forecasted to struggle this season and we could see general manager Don Sweeney make some moves as the team tries to stockpile assets. A talented forward like Zacha could get a trade target for contending teams.
What It Means
We’ve seen Zacha play on the wing, but new Bruins Head Coach Marco Strum has expressed a desire to see Zacha play in the middle. That versatility could make him a sought-after commodity at some point in the season.
TSN’s Travis Yost appeared on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro at the end of last month. Yost said that the Montreal Canadiens could be interested in. It would be odd to trade to a hated division rival, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The Habs are looking to take the next step after making the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes hasn’t been shy about making deals to improve his roster.
We’ve also mentioned in a previous edition of NHL rumours that the Vancouver Canucks could take a run at Zacha. Cancuks General Patrik Allvin has been wanting to make a deal to improve the roster.
Someone like Zacha isn’t a flashy one. However, he’s been good for 20 goals and does well on the defensive end. Players like Zacha that do well at both ends of the ice could fetch a nice return. Sweeney might be able to get a good haul for the forward.
Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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