Bruins' Pavel Zacha could solve major problem for Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins have been in conversations for a possible trade of Pavel Zacha, despite the fact that cooperation between the rivals has been incredibly rare, journalist James Murphy points out. In fact, it's been over 20 years (2001) since the clubs came together for a swap of NHL roster players.

Zacha, 28, would be an immediate solution for Montreal's second-line center, an area that urgently needs reinforcement for the Habs, as was evident in the past NHL season. For now, Nick Suzuki is the first option at center for the Canadiens, but after him, it is not clear who will be coach Martin St. Louis's favorite.

This is why Zacha would be an addition that would fit perfectly. Montreal hoped that Kirby Dach would occupy the role, but injuries have limited his availability. He's played only 117 games over the last three seasons. For now, the team's alternatives are Zack Bolduc, Alex Newhook, Joseph Veleno and Jake Evans.

Zacha has a current $4.75 million per-season contract with two years remaining. Montreal could offer prospects like Joshua Roy, Oliver Kapanen, Owen Beck, defenseman Jayden Struble, or even veteran Mike Matheson and draft picks (the Canadiens have extra picks in 2026), to facilitate a potential trade.

The Czech player would be expected to generate an immediate impact. Zacha has been consistent since joining the Bruins three seasons ago, playing in 242 of a possible 246 games, and posting 56 goals, 163 points, a +30 rating and an average of 17:44 minutes per game over three seasons.

Considering the players who have been linked to the Canadiens, such as Mason McTavish, Jared McCann and Sidney Crosby, Zacha seems to be a more realistic option.