A decade after being selected sixth overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2015 NHL Draft, Pavel Zacha’s career has taken several twists. At the time, the pick addressed a positional need at center, but over time, it became clear the Devils may have reached.
Zacha’s inconsistency and the later emergence of Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes eventually pushed him out of the team’s long-term plans. In 2022, New Jersey traded him to the Boston Bruins for Erik Haula, aiming for a better immediate fit.
Statistically, both Haula and Zacha were similar the season before the trade, but Boston bet on Zacha’s upside and youth, while New Jersey opted for a more defined bottom-six veteran presence. Zacha’s post-trade performance has improved, placing him 15th in total points among the 2015 draft class, a respectable rank but underwhelming considering who was drafted after him. The Devils’ decision continues to draw criticism in hindsight.
Zacha’s Trade Buzz Grows as Bruins Reassess Direction and Devils Eye Center Depth
Now, with the Bruins missing the playoffs and possibly heading toward a rebuild, Zacha’s name has emerged in trade rumors. While he is expected to return to Boston’s top six, the team might look to offload veterans like him. If the Devils are interested in a reunion, they’ll need to navigate cap space and trade assets carefully. A Zacha return could fill the team’s shaky third-line center role.
Pavel Zacha (NHL)Zacha has two years left on his deal at $4.875 million AAV and holds an eight-team no-trade clause. Boston’s cap situation is tight, with just $2 million in space. The Devils, on paper, have about $6.1 million in cap space, though this could stretch to roughly $7 million depending on roster decisions. However, they still need to secure a long-term deal for Luke Hughes, possibly requiring cap space adjustments either through this trade or a separate one.
Two Trade Scenarios Offer Devils Different Paths to Reacquire Pavel Zacha’s Talent
One proposed trade involves New Jersey sending Seamus Casey, Ondrej Palat, a 2026 second-round pick, and either a 2026 fourth-round pick or a lower-tier forward prospect (Josh Filmon or Cam Squires) for Zacha. The deal aims to offload Palat’s $6 million cap hit while supplying Boston with future assets and young talent for a rebuild. Boston could benefit from Casey, a right-shot defenseman, or bolster their thin forward pipeline with a prospect. Palat’s veteran presence might also appeal to a transitioning Bruins roster.
Another option sees the Devils sending Dawson Mercer and a 2026 fourth-round pick for Zacha, provided Palat is moved in a separate cap-clearing deal. Mercer, still young and under team control, could be a valuable piece for Boston’s potential rebuild. This trade is more straightforward but carries risk for the Devils, as it would subtract two regular contributors (Mercer and Palat) in exchange for one player, increasing reliance on younger, unproven forwards.
Whether the Zacha trade rumors are credible or just offseason chatter remains to be seen. But if there’s substance, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald should consider a reunion. With a new coaching staff and different team context, Zacha could thrive where he once struggled. While he’s not a game-changer, he could bring needed depth. If the price is right and cap space is managed, reacquiring Zacha could be a worthwhile gamble for a Devils team aiming to take the next step.
