The Boston Bruins continue restructuring their roster following a major shift in leadership. With longtime captain Brad Marchand now a member of the Florida Panthers, the NHL team appears to be reshaping its forward group—and Pavel Zacha may be the next name on the move.
According to The Fourth Period, Zacha has re-entered trade discussions and was recently listed as the 17th most valuable player reportedly available this offseason. The Bruins are believed to be revisiting interest from earlier in the year, as the 28-year-old forward draws attention from multiple teams across the league.
“The Bruins explored the trade market on Zacha during the season and there is belief out there that Boston is looking, again, at moving him,” TFP reported. “His 10-team no-trade list turns to an eight-team list July 1, so he does have some say in where he ends up, if dealt.”
Zacha’s contract, role, and trade value
Pavel Zacha is signed through the 2026–27 season under a four-year, $19 million deal that carries an annual cap hit of $4.75 million. Since arriving in Boston via trade from the New Jersey Devils in 2022, he has served as a key contributor on the second line, offering versatility at both center and wing.
Pavel Zacha #18 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on February 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Zacha recorded 47 points in 82 games last season, and despite Boston’s competitive stance, his place in the lineup is no longer guaranteed amid broader roster changes. The hiring of head coach Marco Sturm and the addition of several forwards this summer signal a shift in direction.
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Among the teams reportedly interested in Zacha are the Vancouver Canucks and the Utah Mammoth. In an article for The Hockey News, Michael DeRosa stated: “Zacha could provide (Vancouver) with an upgrade at the second-line center spot over Filip Chytil.” Utah, meanwhile, has already added JJ Peterka and Nate Schmidt, and could continue to bolster its middle six.
Bruins restructure following Marchand’s departure
The Bruins’ decision to part ways with Marchand, who was traded to the Panthers earlier this offseason, marked the end of an era in Boston. His exit left both an emotional and tactical void in the locker room, prompting the organization to explore new configurations in its leadership core and offensive structure.
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Should the Bruins move Zacha, it would be yet another step in their roster realignment as they navigate the post-Marchand landscape. With young players rising and cap flexibility in focus, Boston may leverage Zacha’s value to improve long-term depth or add assets for the future.
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