Shortly after Saturday night’s 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Bruins announced that they have signed forward Pavel Zacha to a four-year contract extension that has an annual cap hit of $4.75 million.
Boston acquired Zacha from the New Jersey Devils over the summer in exchange for Erik Haula. A restricted free agent at the time, Zacha eventually signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million on Aug. 8.
The 25-year-old Zacha has played in all 42 games this season, registering five goals and 20 assists while playing 15:46 per game. He leads the team in 5-on-5 assists with 17 and is tied for third in 5-on-5 points with 19.
For captain Patrice Bergeron, Zacha’s all-around play has stood out more than anything to do with points.
“I think he’s brought smarts, really,” Bergeron said of Zacha. “He’s always well positioned, on both sides of the ice, away from the puck. I think a lot of people pay attention to goals and points and whatnot, but I think he’s all about details. That’s what he is. He’s a very smart player that deserves the recognition that he’s getting. He should be getting more, actually, for what he brings to this team. Great to see him staying for another four years. He took a one-year deal and I guess wanted to make a name for himself in this locker room, and he’s definitely done that.”
While Zacha has most often lined up as the left wing on the “Czech Line” with David Krejci and David Pastrnak, he has played all three forward positions at various points during the season and has spent time on each of the Bruins’ top three lines.
Coach Jim Montgomery highlighted his versatility after Saturday’s win, noting the checking role against Toronto’s top line that Zacha, Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic were tasked with.
“I guess how I can use him in so many different ways -- left wing, right wing, center,” Montgomery said when asked about Zacha’s value this season. “Tonight I used him with Coyle and Frederic in a shutdown role where I wanted them to match up against [Auston] Matthews for the majority of the game. I’m asking him to sacrifice, but he’s fine. Whatever we ask of him, he’s gonna do if it’s gonna help the team. And then the other thing is just how smart of a player he is, offensively and defensively.”
In the years to come, Zacha could be part of the solution at the center position as the Bruins will eventually have to confront the unenviable task of trying to replace Bergeron and Krejci. Zacha may not have No. 1 center upside, but he has played well when he’s filled in for Krejci in the No. 2 hole this season.
“Moving forward, an eye towards center ice, that we’re gonna have to find a way to continue to add to our group,” general manager Don Sweeney said. “I think that his versatility has shown through. He plays in all situations in a hockey game and has been a big part of our group. Fit in very well, comfortable with several of his countrymen, and overall a very well liked young man that we’re happy to have moving forward, and addresses a positional need in the future.”