On expiring contract, Bruins’ Pavel Zacha enters 2026-27 NHL season with unknown future

Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha enters the final year of his contract ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season opener against the New York Rangers. Originally acquired from the New Jersey Devils in July 2022, Zacha previously signed a four-year, $19 million extension with Boston in January 2023.

Zacha is positioned as Boston's No. 2 center alongside Casey Mittelstadt and Morgan Geekie under coach Marco Sturm. Coming off a career-high 30-goal campaign, he is projected to potentially double his current $4.75 million average annual value on his next contract.