Boston Bruins add Czech goalie Simon Zajicek amid growing questions around Bussi and DiPietro

The deal comes with an NHL cap hit of $872,500. It may not seem significant at first.

But when you consider the contract status of both Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro, the team’s AHL goalies, the signing begins to make more sense.

Neither has re-signed, and both are on track to become free agents on July 1.

Sounds like a plan B move in case Boston cannot get an extensions done with either Brandon Bussi or Michael DiPietro if they decide not to return for another year of AHL Bruins hockey.

That note from Bruins insider Mark Allred wasn’t just speculative — it framed the signing for what it likely is: a precaution.

Zajicek (pronounced ZAH-yee-chek), 23, is coming off a strong season with HC Litvinov of the Czech Extraliga. He went 15-13-0 in 29 games while posting a stellar .930 save percentage and a 2.12 goals against average. His numbers topped the league in save percentage and tied him for second in shutouts (5). In three playoff starts, he kept his form, logging a .927 save percentage and a 2.63 GAA.

NHL trade chatter unrelated — this move stays focused on AHL depth 

Despite swirling offseason rumors surrounding Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo, this signing has nothing to do with Boston’s NHL tandem.

Swayman, who signed an eight-year extension last summer, has drawn attention after an inconsistent season, but insiders suggest the front office isn’t planning to shake up the big-league crease just yet.

Zajicek’s addition is aimed at shoring up the Providence Bruins.

That’s where he’s expected to compete, especially if either DiPietro or Bussi heads elsewhere. Both were key parts of the AHL squad this past season, but their futures remain wide open.

Zajicek’s career numbers with HC Litvinov span 90 games, a 36-48-0 record, a 2.68 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. At 6-foot-2 and 187 pounds, he’s built for the modern game — mobile and lean, with recent signs of real progress.