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Bruins, Canadiens may explore unexpected trade as Boston hunts for young talent

Originally posted on Bruins After Dark | By Jake Donovan | Last updated May 18, 2025 8:27 PM ET

The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens don’t often share a phone line, let alone a trade table. But this offseason, the two rivals may be headed toward a deal that neither fan base saw coming.

Per NHL insider Arpon Basu, the Canadiens are searching for help at center, while the Bruins are open to retooling their roster and replenishing their farm system.

It’s a potential fit — on paper at least — and the name at the center of it is Pavel Zacha.

Montreal’s prospect surplus gives them trade leverage

Montreal’s front office, led by GM Kent Hughes, has been building for the future.

According to The Athletic, the Canadiens boast the third-best prospect pool in the NHL.

With depth at forward and defense, they’ve reached a point where flipping a piece or two for NHL-ready talent makes sense — especially if it fills a hole down the middle.

Zacha, who’s under contract for two more seasons at $4.75 million annually, fits the bill.

He’s experienced, capable at both ends of the ice, and versatile enough to play multiple roles.

While his scoring declined last season, there’s still value in his game — value Montreal appears interested in.

Boston needs futures — and may be ready to deal

The Bruins are in a different place.

Their core is aging, and they’ve struggled to keep their pipeline stocked. Sitting 30th in prospect rankings, they may be forced to make uncomfortable choices.

That could include moving on from Zacha, a player who’s been solid, but not irreplaceable.

Basu didn’t mince words:

There is no team that should be more desperate to add futures than the Boston Bruins…

If Zacha can bring in a decent draft pick and a prospect with two years left on his contract, that would make a lot of sense for the Bruins to at least consider, even if it would mean dealing with the hated Canadiens.

That “hated” part? It’s more than hyperbole.

Bruins-Canadiens trades are rare, almost unheard of, because of the history between these two clubs. But the current state of each organization might force them to look beyond tradition.

Boston needs younger, cheaper talent. Montreal wants proven NHL depth.

If the Canadiens are willing to offer a legitimate asset, a second-round pick and a mid-tier prospect, for example, then Bruins GM Don Sweeney may have no choice but to listen.

Zacha isn’t untouchable.

He’s a valuable piece, but not a franchise cornerstone. Moving him could open cap space and bring in the type of young player Boston can’t afford to draft and wait on anymore.

There’s no love lost between Boston and Montreal. But if the Bruins want to keep pace in a fast-evolving Atlantic Division, they can’t afford to be sentimental.

Trading Zacha to the Canadiens would be unusual. It would probably sting. But it also might be exactly what Boston needs to start reshaping its future.

In hockey, even the fiercest rivalries occasionally have to give way to common sense.

This article first appeared on Bruins after dark and was syndicated with permission.

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