Going into the offseason for the second straight summer, there were rumors that the Boston Bruins were listening on calls from teams on center Pavel Zacha. However, that doesn't mean an atual deal would get done. There's a difference between listening and actually considering.
Who knows, just maybe the Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney would actually consider moving the top pivot on their roster, as his trade value has never been higher. There is a big need around the NHL, and in Boston, for top centers. Many teams feel that Zacha would fit their need. He also fits the Black and Gold's need.
At this point in the offseason, it is hard to envision the Bruins actually trading Zacha, but never say never. Back in August, Bleacher Report dropped their Updated NHL Trade Targets Big Board for August 2026, and Zacha landed at No. 6. They updated their NHL Trade Targets Big Board for September 2026, and Zacha dropped six spots on their list, provided by Lyle Richardson, to No. 12.
Bruins Pavel Zacha drops six spots on Bleacher Report trade board list
Going into training camp this month, Zacha is entering the final season of his contract that carries an AAV of $4.75 million, which makes him even more of a draw to other teams as a trade target. However, he is going to get a payday, whether that's with the Bruins or someone else. It is hard to see him hitting free agency and Sweeney just letting him walk, as he did with Jake DeBrusk two summers ago. There is either going to be an extension or a trade that would likely happen before the trade deadline this upcoming season.
Right now, Zacha is projected to be the Bruins' first-line center, which would be between JJ Peterka and David Pastrnak. Could that change once training camp begins? Of course, but that would mean Fraser Minten takes a giant step in his development, or Elias Lindholm comes into camp and becomes the $7.75 million player a year he is being paid. Both are unlikely to happen.
You have to think that Zacha is part of the Bruins' long-term plan, but at what cost? Are the Bruins and Zacha going to get a deal done, or is he going to force some difficult decisions on the front office over the next couple of months? Time will tell; however, you would expect that if a deal doesn't get done before the season starts, it's going to become a distraction as the season goes on.
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