The Boston Bruins would be wise to look in the locker room for an example of why you have to take a breath before committing long-term to a player who can be a bit inconsistent. It'd be easy to sign Pavel Zacha to a long-term extension after his career year in 2025-26, but his point-less start to the season shows that life isn't always rosy with the Czech center.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun outlined that the Bruins were, in fact, shopping Zacha in their Kirill Marchenko trade negotiations. With a large gap between the player's camp and the front office, they need to gauge the market as the trade deadline approaches. LeBrun believes that if an extension isn't reached, Zacha will not be on the roster past March 1.
"This one could absolutely go either way over the coming months. But if the Bruins aren’t in a playoff spot closer to the March 1 trade deadline and Zacha still hasn’t signed, I think you know how it ends."Pierre LeBrun
It'd be unfortunate to see the 29-year-old leave the organization, but the Bruins have an Elias Lindholm-sized anchor weighing down the team's forward group. Boston is already overpaying the Swedish center no matter how high the salary cap goes, and they have to be wary of having two overpriced centers in the lineup, especially with some of their younger pivot options like James Hagens, Fraser Minten, Matthew Poitras, Dans Locmelis, and Dean Letourneau.
"He’s 29 years old, and I think the Bruins are worried about a long-term commitment and how it will age — perhaps sensitive to living with the Elias Lindholm contract already."Pierre LeBrun
Bruins' interest in Pavel Zacha with NHL's rising salaries
LeBrun also reported that the Bruins originally balked at Zacha's asking price this summer, but once players started making $20 million annually, the price didn't seem as high. Regardless, the Bruins aren't in a position to overpay just for the sake of keeping him, which puts them in a tough spot.
After a career year, the last thing Zacha's agent, Paul Capizzano, wants to see is him start with zero points in four games. However, he can breathe easier knowing that he was united with fellow Czech David Pastrnak on the first line in today's practice.
Ironically, Marco Sturm may price the Bruins out of the Zacha negotiations if the pair break out as a line, but on the flip side, a breakout could fetch the organization an even greater return at the trade deadline. There is still plenty of time for the parties to figure it out, but March 1 could approach quicker than you think.
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