Boston Bruins exploring trade market for $19 million center, per Insider

Boston Bruins may shop Pavel Zacha this offseason, with his contract, dip in production, and evolving no-trade clause all playing into trade speculation.

Zacha back in the spotlight as bruins weigh roster changes

After months of speculation, the Boston Bruins are once again exploring the idea of moving Pavel Zacha.

As reported by The Fourth Period, Boston has included the 28-year-old center on its Summer Trade Watch List and is believed to be fielding calls ahead of the draft.

Trade whispers aren’t new when it comes to Zacha, he was reportedly being shopped around before this year’s trade deadline. The fact he remained with the team likely means Boston never got an offer that made sense.

That may change in the coming weeks as teams reassess their lineups and budgets.

After major trades, Bruins could keep clearing the deck

It’s already been a dramatic year in Boston. Brad Marchand is gone. So is Brandon Carlo. Trent Frederic too. If those names can be moved, then there’s no reason to think Zacha is off-limits.

The Bruins have made it clear: they aren’t rebuilding, but they’re reshaping the roster.

That puts players like Zacha, productive, but not essential, right in the middle of potential offseason movement.

Contract and numbers both raise questions

Zacha signed a four-year deal worth $19 million back in 2023, shortly after arriving from New Jersey. In his first two seasons wearing black and gold, he looked like a smart pickup—topping out at 59 points last year.

But this past season told a different story. He managed just 14 goals and 47 points. That’s not disastrous, but it’s enough of a drop to raise some eyebrows—especially with a $4.75 million cap hit still on the books for two more seasons.

If Boston retains salary, a deal becomes more realistic

The challenge in moving Zacha lies mostly in the cap. With most contenders already squeezed for space, it’s unlikely Boston gets a premium return unless they agree to retain part of his salary.

That said, there’s still value there. Zacha’s versatility, he can play center or wing, second line or third, makes him attractive to playoff teams looking for depth.

A first-round pick is unlikely, but a second-rounder or a package similar to what Toronto gave up for Scott Laughton might be more realistic.

No-trade clause a factor, until July 1

Zacha’s contract includes a ten-team no-trade clause, which limits Boston’s options for now. But that list drops to eight teams on July 1, giving the Bruins slightly more freedom to get a deal done.

If they want full flexibility, they’ll likely wait until after that date. But if the right suitor is already outside of his restricted list, there’s still time to make something happen sooner.

Bruins playing it smart, not desperate

This isn’t a cap dump, and it’s not a fire sale. Boston doesn’t need to move Zacha. But they’re clearly open to the idea. With his value still intact, and potentially slipping—this summer may be the sweet spot to make a move.

No guarantees, no panic. But the phones are ringing, and the Bruins are listening.