Bruins Predicted To Hand Star Centerman $59.5M Extension originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Bruins can make some intriguing decisions this offseason.
Boston made the playoffs this past season, which was a bit of a surprise, as the Bruins were sellers at the trade deadline a year ago.
Now, Boston will look to build off that and go on a deeper playoff run this season. One big question for the Bruins is whether they will be able to extend Pavel Zacha. Zacha has become a top centerman and is eligible for a contract extension on July 1.
Bruins insider Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic believes Boston and Zacha will agree to a seven-year, $59.5 million deal this offseason.
“Center Pavel Zacha would be opting for security and familiarity over playing out the season and testing free agency on July 1, 2027,” Shinzawa wrote. “The Bruins would be locking up long-term stability at center, even if Zacha is not necessarily a play-driving pivot.
“Zacha is a reliable center who has greater confidence in his finishing touch after breaking the 30-goal threshold for the first time in 2025-26. Re-signing long-term, he would stay on the No.1 line, No. 1 power-play unit and kill penalties.”
An average salary of $8.5 million for Zacha seems more than fair, and likely would get it done. It would also be a good move for the Bruins to lock in Zacha long-term and have the team’s No. 1 centerman for the foreseeable future.
Zacha recorded 30 goals and 35 assists for 65 points in 78 games last season with Boston.
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