The NHL offseason is in full swing, and Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has made it clear that “everything has to be on the table” as the team enters the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency.
That approach has sparked fresh speculation surrounding one of Boston’s top forwards, who has also emerged as a trade target for the Montreal Canadiens.
Boston Bruins Urged to Keep $19M Forward Away From Montreal Canadiens
Pavel Zacha has become a name to watch this offseason. The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his four-year, $19 million contract, and while the Bruins would prefer to sign him to an extension, they’re also listening to trade offers.
Boston’s reasoning is straightforward. With the 2026 free-agent market short on quality centers, Zacha’s value has never been higher after posting career highs of 30 goals and 65 points last season. Sweeney has also emphasized the need to add more speed and offensive firepower, and moving Zacha could provide the cap space or trade assets needed to make a bigger splash.
The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly among the teams that have expressed interest.
However, Bruins insider Fluto Shinzawa believes Boston should be careful about trading Pavel Zacha.
“The issue is how hesitant the Bruins would be to let Zacha go,” Shinzawa said. “He checks multiple boxes, primarily as the club’s No. 2 goal scorer in 2025-26 after Morgan Geekie. Part of sinking 30 goals was his career-high 22.9 shooting percentage.
“But Zacha fulfills many other responsibilities besides scoring goals for the Bruins, including serving as an occasional center for David Pastrnak. It would not make No. 88 happy to see Zacha get traded,” he pointed out.
Shinzawa’s biggest concern goes beyond Zacha’s on-ice production. He believes trading the veteran forward could have a ripple effect on David Pastrňák, who has developed strong chemistry with Zacha and shares a close friendship with his fellow Czech teammate.
The asking price on a Zacha trade would likely be multiple picks (including a first-rounder) and a prospect.
If the Bruins do decide to move Zacha, it won’t be entirely up to them. His contract includes an eight-team no-trade list, giving him some say over where he can be dealt.
That leaves Don Sweeney with a difficult decision. He can capitalize on Zacha’s high trade value to bring in premium assets and create additional cap space, or keep one of Boston’s most reliable two-way forwards while preserving an important relationship within the team’s core.
Based on Shinzawa’s view, the impact on the locker room could outweigh any attractive trade offer the Bruins receive.
