Zacha's Career-Best Season Boosts Bruins

0:00It's April 23rd, NHL News Today starts now, AI-powered and game-ready. I'm Cory with the story. Back in July 2022, the Boston Bruins pulled off a smart one-for-one trade, grabbing center Pavel Zasha from the New Jersey Devils Inn. Exchange for aircala. That six overall pick from 2015 has turned into a cornerstone for Boston, finding his groove under coaches like Jim Montgomery, Joe Sacco, and now Marco Sturm. Zaka just wrapped a career-best season, lighting the lamp 30 times, and piling up 65 points while anchoring key lines on a banged-up squad. That still made the playoffs. He's been that reliable glue guy, stepping up his top-line center when needed on a team held together by sheer grit. Fans and analysts see him as a bright spot amid the Bruins ups and downs, with his steady play helping push them deep into contention. Over 320 games in black and gold, he's not 228 points,

1:00proving his value, night in and night out. Lately in the 2026 playoffs, Zaka shining on the second line against the Buffalo Sabers, hitting a point per game clip in a series. Tied 1-1, while averaging nearly 16 minutes of ice time. His line with Arvetson and Middlestat dominated at 5 on 5 all year, leading with 42 goals. With Zaka locked in through next season at 4.75 million a year, GM Don Swini should start talks this offseason for a long term. Extension. Using deals like Christian Divorax 5-year pack at 5.15 million, as a benchmark to keep the window open.