The Boston Bruins may be considering moving on from 2015 first-round pick Pavel Zacha as summer trade discussions heat up.
According to The Fourth Period, the Bruins are gauging interest in the 28-year-old center, who appeared on the outlet’s 2025 Summer Trade Watch List. Reports from earlier in the season suggested the team explored trading Zacha at the deadline but didn’t receive a compelling enough offer to finalize a deal.
After making significant roster changes last season—shipping out key players like Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo, and Trent Frederic—the Bruins could look to continue retooling. While Zacha remains on the roster, that may not last through the offseason.
Zacha, a Czech native, signed a four-year, \$19 million deal with Boston in 2023 after seven years with the New Jersey Devils. He tallied 21 goals and 57 points in his debut season with the Bruins, followed by a career-best 59 points the next year. However, his numbers dropped this past season to 14 goals and 47 points.
Though the Bruins aren’t entering a rebuild, they may want to deal Zacha while his trade value remains relatively high. Still, his \$4.75 million cap hit over the next two seasons could limit trade partners—especially contending teams with tight salary caps.
If Boston were to retain a portion of Zacha’s salary, they might be able to secure a decent return, though likely not a first-round pick. A second-rounder or a trade similar to what the Toronto Maple Leafs gave up for Scott Laughton could be more realistic.
Should a trade not materialize by the 2025 NHL Draft, Zacha could remain with the team into training camp, where injuries and roster shifts might increase trade possibilities.
One complicating factor is Zacha’s no-trade clause, which currently allows him to block moves to 10 teams. That list shrinks to eight after July 1, which could open more options for Boston. Until then, the team will likely continue exploring interest, aiming to strike a deal with a club not on his no-trade list.