The Boston Bruins could face a difficult decision regarding Pavel Zacha as questions surround his long-term future in Boston. The star forward has become an important part of Boston’s lineup, but if the two sides cannot reach an agreement on an extension, the Bruins could explore potential trade options.
Moving Zacha would not be an easy decision, especially with his ability to contribute offensively and play multiple forward positions. However, a trade could allow Boston to acquire valuable draft picks, younger talent, or additional help in other areas of the roster. Several teams could make sense as potential destinations if the Bruins decide to move on. From playoff contenders looking for an experienced center, or even rebuilding teams that are seeking established talent.
Here are three potential landing spots for Zacha.
Pavel Zacha Sweepstakes: Three Teams to Watch
1. Minnesota Wild
This offseason, there were trade rumors that the Minnesota Wild were trying to get Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings, but that trade failed, so now they should put their eyes on the center for the Bruins, Zacha.
The Wild are currently using Ryan Hartman as their center, so bringing in Zacha would be a great idea, and then Hartman can go back to winger, the position he always plays. Zacha would be a great addition to their roster, alongside all the great players they have.
The Wild don’t really have many young prospects, mainly just players that have already played for a couple of years, but if the Bruins want a prospect, they do have Danila Yurov if the Bruins were interested in him, and they could always just give up draft picks also.
2. Detroit Red Wings
After the Red Wings’ center Larkin requested a trade, they now do not know who their top center will be. Zacha is the perfect player to go after. Zacha is 29 years old and he still has a lot of years left if he does not have to deal with a significant amount of injuries.
The Red Wings could trade Larkin for Zacha in a one-for-one trade deal. The Bruins would love an addition like that on their team. The only problem is if Larkin leaves, then the Red Wings do not have any other trade candidates that they would be willing to trade away. They do have draft picks, but it just depends on whether they’re willing to go all-in for Zacha.
If they were to acquire Zacha, he would be a huge upgrade to their team, and their fans would love to see Zacha play for them instead of Larkin.
3. Los Angeles Kings
The retirement of the former captain of the Los Angeles Kings, Anze Kopitar, left a spot open for a talented center, and Zacha fits perfectly with Los Angeles. Quinton Byfield is expected to take the center role, but he recently played winger before Kopitar retired, so it is very difficult for him to get used to.
If Byfield struggles at the center position, then going for Zacha would be a great idea for the Kings. Zacha is a very talented player. He can play winger and center if you need him to. If the Kings don’t want to move Byfield from the center position, they could always just put Zacha on the second line.
The Kings have many talented players they can trade away for Zacha. It just depends on whether they are willing to do a trade like that. They could also use draft picks, or even prospects, as trade candidates that the Bruins would be interested in.
Main Image: Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images
