BOSTON — On July 13, 2022, the Bruins acquired Pavel Zacha from the Devils for Erik Haula. On Jan. 14, six months later, they signed Zacha, 25, to a four-year, $19 million extension.
Everything looks right about the deal: the asset they gave up, the investment they’re making in Zacha, the way his game is progressing. Zacha is third on the team in five-on-five scoring with 19 points.
In Saturday’s 4-3 win over the Maple Leafs, Zacha rode on the No. 3 line with Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic. Their assignment: Auston Matthews.
Bruins-Maple Leafs in the spring would be quite a sight. https://t.co/X8kG4Qqxb5
— Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) January 15, 2023
“How I can use him in so many different ways,” coach Jim Montgomery said after the win when asked about Zacha’s value this season. “Left wing, right wing, center. It doesn’t matter. Tonight, I used him with Coyle and Frederic in a shutdown role. I wanted them to match up against Matthews tonight for the majority of the game. I’m asking him to maybe sacrifice. But he’s fine. Whatever we ask of him, he’s going to do what helps the team.”
Perhaps the most significant fact about the acquire-and-extend transaction is how Zacha is helping for today and tomorrow. This season, he’s been a three-position forward — the ex-Devil has complemented Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci and Coyle depending on need — who’s played on the top three lines. In years to come, Zacha could make a permanent move to the middle and play top-two shifts, depending on when Bergeron and Krejci say goodbye.
“Pretty obvious when we first acquired him, the versatility that Pavel brings in playing all three positions,” said general manager Don Sweeney. “Moving forward, an eye toward center ice that we’re going to have to find a way to continue to add to our group. His versatility has shown through. Plays in all situations of the hockey game. Has been a big part of our group. Fit in very well. Comfortable with several of his countrymen. But overall, a very well-liked young man that we’re happy to have going forward and addresses a positional need.”
This follows a pattern for Sweeney. The GM acquired Coyle, Taylor Hall and Hampus Lindholm at previous trade deadlines. He extended all three. Lindholm scored an eight-year, $52 million extension before he even pulled on his new jersey.
Sweeney’s dream would be to execute a similar transaction ahead of the March 3 deadline. Ideally, it would be another center, someone like Bo Horvat, No. 1 on The Athletic’s trade board. As Sweeney noted, the Bruins need additional reinforcements in the middle, for the future as much as the present.
Horvat, 27, is unrestricted after this season. The Vancouver captain would stiffen the position for the Bruins’ 2023 Stanley Cup dash. He would fill it for years to come pending an extension.
Both moves, of course, are easier said than done.
“There haven’t been a lot of trades up until this point,” Sweeney said. “We’ll have to see going forward. It’ll take some creativity for clubs like our own that have some cap challenges. But chances are, most of the teams that are hopefully going to get an opportunity to play in the playoffs will generally have cap challenges. We’re no different. But we’re going to try to put the best team we possibly can.”
The cap, as Sweeney signaled, is the Bruins’ dilemma. Once Jake DeBrusk comes off long-term injured reserve in February, the Bruins will be right up against the $82.5 million ceiling — over it, in fact, via performance bonuses that project to be applied to their 2023-24 number.
That leaves Sweeney ill-equipped to add a roll of tape, much less an impact player like Horvat, who carries a $5.5 million average annual value. Craig Smith ($3.1 million AAV, two goals in 28 games) and Mike Reilly ($3 million, parked in Providence) are playing idle roles within the context of their salaries. But the fact that both cleared waivers indicates their trade value in a capped-out league.
The other issue is the Bruins’ short bench when it comes to prospects. They do not have as many assets compared to other suitors.
Meanwhile, nobody knows what is in store for Bergeron and Krejci. Nor, for that matter, for fellow UFAs-to-be like Smith, David Pastrnak, Nick Foligno, Tomas Nosek and Connor Clifton. Sweeney offered no insight on negotiations with Pastrnak.
The uncertainty of next year, in concert with the best-in-show first half for this season’s bunch, could make the deadline an all-in situation for the Bruins, as limited as their options may be. The Bruins may have no weaknesses. But if an addition improves their Cup chances, Sweeney’s responsibility is to explore every option.
“My job is to put the best team on the ice year to year,” Sweeney said. “Balance it. Live in the moment for what this group wants to try to accomplish. Good on them. Process-driven group. We’ll address things as they come. I’ll do the best job I possibly can for the organization.”
Zacha’s contract had expired when the Bruins brought him in. Assistant GM Evan Gold and Paul Capizzano, Zacha’s agent, discussed contracts of varying length after the trade. Gold and Capizzano settled on a one-year, $3.5 million deal. It would give both parties a season to evaluate their next steps.
Player and team needed only half a season to determine a four-year extension was amenable to both sides.
“When I got the news that I would be traded here in the summer, I was hoping I was going to show my stuff and be able to be here for a long time,” said Zacha. “I’m happy that it happened. It’s a start. It’s my first season. I have to prove myself and show why I’m here and why I’m going to be here for a longer time. It’s just super exciting for me to be part of this.”
(Photo of Pavel Zacha: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
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