Pavel Zacha signed a four-year, $19 million contract with the Boston Bruins on Saturday. It has an average annual value of $4.75 million.
The 25-year-old center could have become an unrestricted free agent after the season. He has 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) in 43 games this season, his first with the Bruins after being acquired in a trade with the New Jersey Devils for a forward. Erik Haula on July 13.
“When I got the news that I’m going to be traded here in the summer, I was hoping that I’m going to show myself and will be able to be here for a long time,” Zacha said. “I’m happy that it happened. It’s a start. It’s my first season, and I have to 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 here. part of this.
“Coming in, that’s one of my strengths that I was able to play wing and center. Coming in here, playing on such a good team that every line, every player has been really good, [it’s] really helping me out seeing [Patrice Bergeron]seeing Charlie Coylethat helps my game too. David Krejci. These guys that I can talk to on a daily basis, just helping me grow as a player and as a teammate too. … I’m just lucky to be able to be here for a longer time.”
Selected by New Jersey with the No. 6 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Zacha has 207 points (76 goals, 131 assists) in 429 regular-season games with the Devils and Bruins.
“I think that his versatility has shown through,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said. “Plays in all situations in a hockey game and 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 in the future.”
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