Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has some decisions looming over him as the puck is getting ready to be dropped for the 2026-27 season. Most of them are contract-related. Fraser Minten has been locked up, and Matthew Poitras was signed right before camp started.
However, maybe the biggest decision when it comes to contracts remaining is Pavel Zacha, who has been at the center of trade rumors for over a year now. If Sweeney does make him available, there would be no shortage of suitors. Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet listed some top trade candidates, and when it came to Zacha, Kypreos laid out two scenarios for Sweeney and the Boston front office.
"The Bruins are in a real pickle with 29-year-old Zacha, and teams like Nashville, Columbus, Philadelphia, and Montreal are watching closely. Boston could commit now to a long-term deal in around a $9 million AAV, or wait it out to see what type of start they get out of the gate. If it’s a slow one, Zacha could skyrocket as a top trade candidate this season,'' wrote Kypreos.
Bruins facing Pavel Zacha dilemma going into 2026-27 season
There is no doubt that Zacha is beginning the season with the Bruins. He is a key part of their top-six. However, is he a key part of the future, or will he be moved? If Boston falls out of contention by the trade deadline, it might be best for Sweeney to trade Zacha rather than lose him for nothing, as he did with Jake DeBrusk a couple of years ago.
If around a $9 million AAV is what Zacha is looking for, well then, that might be a bit too high for Sweeney and the front office to go. That would be a major commitment for a player who is a big part of the future but not getting any younger. It wouldn't be surprising if the Bruins would prefer something smaller, say in the $7 million range.
Boston's biggest need is a top center, and that wasn't addressed this offseason. Instead, the Black and Gold are running it back with the same group as last year, hoping to find lightning in a bottle again. Zacha is clearly and arguably their top center, and if they are in the playoff race, then it is unlikely he'll be moved.
There are a lot of decisions facing the Bruins, and this feels like it's going to finish in one of two ways: an extension with the Bruins or a trade. There will be no middle ground. Let's see how this plays out.
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