Last season, a lot of things had to go right for the Boston Bruins to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In the end, a lot of things did go right for the Black and Gold, especially in the second half of the season and they ended up with the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
After being dispatched in six games in the first round by the Buffalo Sabres, the Atlantic Division champs, the Black and Gold are hoping to take the next step in 2026-27. One week from tonight, the puck will drop on the season when they host the New York Rangers at TD Garden.
One player who had a career season was Pavel Zacha. He potted a career-high 30 goals and 35 assists for 65 points. He only averaged 16:51 of ice time in 78 regular-season games. Going into the season, Zacha is playing in a contract year, and there are a lot of questions surrounding his future with the Black and Gold. Greg Wyshynski of ESPN had one bold prediction for each NHL team, and his for the Bruins is one that shouldn't be much of a surprise.
ESPN predicts Bruins Pavel Zacha to regress in 2026-27
Wyshynski predicted that Zacha is going to regress after a career season. You can't be that surprised, can you? Saying someone is going to regress after a career year is a favorite prediction of a lot of writers. Some had Morgan Geekie doing the same a couple of years ago when he went out and had a better season.
As for Zacha, there are going to be a lot of questions surrounding him the longer he goes unsigned for next season, and expect more trade rumors. However, with GM Don Sweeney, expect the unexpected at any time, with either an extension or a trade.
As for the upcoming season, it feels like Zacha is going to be a big part of what the Bruins are going to try to accomplish this season and maybe even beyond. Will he play on the top line with David Pastrnak and either Morgan Geekie or JJ Peterka? Will he center the second line again? It feels like trading him or letting him walk for nothing would upset some in the room, including Pastrnak.
It is anyone's guess what you expect from Zacha this season. Sometimes a player in their contract year is when they have one of their better seasons. Boston would love for that to be the case with Zacha. However, could he regress? Of course, and it wouldn't be surprising in the least bit if his numbers took a dip.
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