5 Trade Landing Spots for Bruins Forward Pavel Zacha Amid NHL Rumors

The Boston Bruins began this season attempting to return to form as a playoff contender. However, their record of six wins and seven losses had them sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference standings as of Oct. 31.

Between Oct. 13 and 27, the Bruins lost seven out of eight games. That prompted some pundits to suggest that this club could become a seller if it didn't find a way to reverse its fortunes.

Pavel Zacha was the Bruin who most often surfaced in the rumor mill during that period. The 28-year-old forward is signed through 2026-27 with an annual average value of $4.75 million and carries an eight-team no-trade list.

This isn't the first time that Zacha has appeared in the rumor mill. He'd been the subject of speculation since August, earning a spot on our September NHL Trade Board and our October NHL Trade Block Big Board.

It's too early for the Bruins to become sellers in the trade market. They will likely maintain their current roster in the hope that they'll improve throughout November. However, another difficult month or two could force management to entertain serious trade offers.

Zacha's contract status could also be a determining factor. He will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2027. The opportunity to earn a more lucrative contract with a potential Stanley Cup contender could be enticing to him. The Bruins could peddle him if they believe he's uninterested in an extension.

What type of return could a player like Zacha fetch in this season's trade market? Which teams might pursue him if he became available? Follow along as we attempt to answer those questions.

What is Pavel Zacha's Trade Value?

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The 6'4", 211-pound Zacha is a versatile forward who can play center or left wing. He had 21 goals and over 55 points in each of his first two seasons with the Bruins. His production dropped a bit last season (14 goals, 47 points), but that's not surprising given the club's overall performance.

A strong skater with a powerful shot, Zacha uses his size and strength to win puck battles along the boards and in front of the net. He's primarily used in second-line roles, but can play first-line minutes if necessary.

Zacha's skills as a center make him an enticing trade target. Skilled centers are in demand around the league, and several clubs could be interested in acquiring him if he becomes available in the trade market.

The Bruins aren't sellers yet, making it difficult to determine with certainty what Zacha's trade value would be. On Oct. 28, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported they still consider the big center as a good fit on their roster. He speculated they could attempt to sign him to a contract extension next summer.

If the Bruins decide to move Zach, their asking price will depend on whether they're retooling for another shot at a playoff berth next season or rebuilding by shipping out veterans.

The Bruins currently have eight players over the age of 25 on long-term contracts, including superstar winger David Pastrňák, defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, and forwards Morgan Geekie and Elias Lindholm. As a result, they're more likely to be retooling than rebuilding.

Zacha also has a year remaining on his contract. Interested clubs could prefer assurances from his agent that he'll be open to signing a contract extension this summer. That could affect how much a club would be willing to offer the Bruins.

Given these factors, Zacha could fetch a promising NHL player and either a draft pick or a quality prospect. The draft pick could be a first-rounder depending on when the Bruins put him on the market and how many teams get into the bidding for his services.

Honorable Mentions

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Buffalo Sabres. Another injury to Josh Norris has left the Sabres in need of a reliable second-line center. Management is under pressure to make the playoffs and could become buyers in the trade market. However, Zacha's no-trade clause likely takes them out of the running.

Calgary Flames. They've been in the market for a right-shot center. Zacha shoots left, but that might not be an issue if they were to trade Nazem Kadri in a separate deal and use Zacha as a replacement. However, the Flames are also struggling and could become sellers if they don't improve soon.

Edmonton Oilers. On Oct. 28, RG.Org's James Murphy reported the Oilers and Flames were among the teams linked to Zacha. However, the cap-strapped Oilers can't afford to take him on. Even if they had the cap space, they lack the trade capital.

New Jersey Devils. Zacha began his NHL career with the Devils before the Bruins acquired him in July 2022. They could use a reliable middle-six center or a top-six left winger, but he might not be interested in returning to New Jersey.

Philadelphia Flyers. The rebuilding Flyers are off to a better-than-expected start to this season, but they could use more experienced depth at center, especially given captain Sean Couturier's injury history. They could be interested in Zacha if he's willing to sign an extension, but they could be on his no-trade list.

Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs are still trying to fill the void at right wing on their first line following Mitch Marner's departure. They could slot Zacha at left wing and move Matthew Knies or Bobby McMann to right wing. However, they lack sufficient cap space, first-rounders, and prospects to entice the Bruins.

Carolina Hurricanes

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Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky has attempted to make a major move that would improve his team's chances of winning the Stanley Cup since he took over the job in July 2024.

He acquired Mikko Rantanen last January from the Colorado Avalanche, only to trade him six weeks later when the winger wouldn't sign a contract extension. He also reportedly looked into acquiring Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs before the March trade deadline.

Tulsky could be in the market for another big star before this season's trade deadline. However, if none are available, he might consider adding a more affordable second-tier talent such as Zacha to bolster his roster depth. Such a move would likely happen in the weeks leading up to the March 6 trade deadline.

The Hurricanes can afford to take on Zacha's contract. As of Nov. 1, they had over $8 million in salary cap space, which could accrue to $33.2 million by the trade deadline. The Canes also have two third-round picks and two fifth-rounders in 2027 to use as trade bait, as well as two first-rounders in 2028.

Minnesota Wild

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It's been a difficult opening month for the Minnesota Wild. Projected to be a playoff contender, they're mired near the bottom of the league standings and in danger of falling even further out of postseason contention.

On Oct. 31, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco reported team sources said general manager Bill Guerin is in the market for a middle-six forward, regardless of the position. He's hoping to add more scoring punch to those lines.

Di Marco wondered if Guerin might turn to the Boston Bruins for a trade partner. He noted the two clubs have done business before, most recently being the latter acquiring Justin Brazeau at the March trade deadline. Di Marco felt that Zacha would be a good fit with the Wild's middle six.

The Wild have over $4.2 million in salary cap space, which accrues to over $17 million at the trade deadline. Given their current situation, they could prefer a more immediate deal. Doing so could mean the Bruins retaining some of Zacha's salary or the Wild including a player in the deal.

Montreal Canadiens

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After three years of rebuilding under general manager Kent Hughes, the Montreal Canadiens emerged as a playoff team last season. While currently among the top teams in the Eastern Conference, their need for a reliable second-line center remains an issue.

The 28-year-old Zacha is the appropriate age to fit within the young Canadiens roster. Should injuries strike, his versatility and experience would also prove useful to move up and down the lineup.

With $6.2 million in current cap space and a projected $24.9 million in accrued trade deadline space, the Canadiens can afford Zacha's contract. They also possess depth in draft picks, prospects, and promising young players to make the Bruins a tempting offer.

As long-time rivals, the Bruins and Canadiens rarely make trades with each other. Nevertheless, unless they're on Zacha's no-trade list, it would be foolish to reject the possibility out of hand.

New York Rangers

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Since last December, the New York Rangers have been among the busiest teams in the trade market as they attempt to remake their roster. General manager Chris Drury hasn't been afraid to make bold moves, and could attempt to make another by shoring up his depth at center or left wing.

Zacha could slot into the third-line center position or move up into the second-line role until Vincent Trocheck returns from injury, enabling J.T. Miller to move back into the first-line center spot. He could also fill the second or third-line left wing position.

The Rangers could draw on the conditional 2025 first-rounder they received from the Carolina Hurricanes in this summer's K'Andre Miller trade. They are also reportedly having conversations with other clubs about winger Brennan Othmann.

Given the Rangers' limited cap space, they might have to part with a comparable contract in the deal or have the Bruins retain part of Zacha's salary. As we said, Drury isn't afraid of bold moves, so we can't dismiss the possibility that he'll find a way to make this work.

Vancouver Canucks

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The Vancouver Canucks have been shopping around for a suitable second-line center since they traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers in January. Recent reports indicate they've had their eye on Zacha for some time.

On Oct. 25, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks had made inquiries about Zacha. He also indicated that they believe they are not among the eight teams on his no-trade list.

Three days later, TSN's Pierre LeBrun confirmed the Canucks had reached out to the Bruins about Zacha during the summer. LeBrun added that it wouldn't be surprising if Zacha signed an extension with the Bruins.

RG. Org's James Murphy believes the Bruins' asking price could include promising defenseman Victor Mancini. The Canucks also have limited cap space, meaning they'll have to move a player in the deal or have the Bruins retain part of Zacha's salary.

Stats and standings (as of Nov. 1, 2025) via NHL.com. Salary info via PuckPedia. Other info via Hockey-Reference.com.