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Trade chatter heats up around Bruins forward, NHL insider reports
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Pavel Zacha’s name started circulating during the NHL Draft, and it sounds like the Boston Bruins are weighing whether to make a significant move.

Trade talk surrounding Zacha intensifies during first round in L.A.

Friday night’s first round of the 2025 NHL Draft moved slowly, but behind the scenes, there was buzz. One of the more surprising names being mentioned? Bruins forward Pavel Zacha.

Jimmy Murphy of RG Media reported on his X account that Boston has been involved in discussions, and those talks involving Zacha have picked up:

No deal has materialized yet, but the timing of this chatter—right as general managers are face-to-face at the draft—suggests something could be developing soon.

Post-Bergeron era pushed Zacha into a key role, but for how long? 

After Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci stepped away, Zacha became a regular top-six option. He helped stabilize the middle of the lineup with Charlie Coyle and gave Boston a stopgap option at center.

But this isn’t about what Zacha has done, it’s about what comes next. The Bruins have a new coach in Marco Sturm and appear to be adjusting their roster accordingly.

Zacha’s contract, at $4.75M AAV, is reasonable. That’s why he’s a real trade candidate. It’s not about dumping salary, it’s about shaking things up.

Something bigger may be in motion for Boston

If Zacha goes, it’s probably part of a broader plan. The Bruins aren’t rebuilding. They’re still looking to compete, and that means any move would likely bring back an impact player who fits Sturm’s system.

The chatter could fade. But usually, when a name like this pops up during the draft, there’s a reason. Keep an eye on it.

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

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