( Photo Credit: Winslow Townson / Getty Images )

By: Zach Beauchaine | Follow me on Twitter @OtisTheMango

 The Boston Bruins acquired Pavel Zacha at the beginning of the 2022-23 free agency period last summer via trade for former Bruin Erik Haula. Zacha was originally chosen sixth overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2015.   In the ensuing months, Pavel Zacha has become a critical component of the team’s unprecedented success this season.

The trade has been very beneficial for the Boston roster. The Bruins have leaned on the versatility of Pavel’s presence in the game. He has earned his stripes without question during the current NHL season. The Czech winger has had impactful results left and right.

Zacha has turned out to be an excellent fit in a deep forward core with the Bruins. The 6’-4″ 199-pound forward would immediately inject size and bulk into the Boston lineup. The 25-year-old winger is registered as a center but can also play the wing position. Zacha is a skater who can slide up and down the lineup and roll with any forward line that he is paired with.

He brings a strong offensive dynamic and is a confident playmaker. His hockey IQ is precisely the right fit for the Boston Bruins. His ability to make intelligent passes and excel in any zone of on-ice play has shown brightly since joining his new team in Boston. Zacha makes plays with purpose and positions himself well with and without the puck. The forward has shown an ability to find the back of the net.

The Czech forward also established instant chemistry with line-mates David Krejci and David Pastrnak. The line consisting of three forwards hailing from Czechia has been a powerful scoring force for the Bruins throughout the season as games have progressed. With Zacha’s help, the team is cruising. Zacha has already passed his career highs in both assists and points. Pavel is also one goal away from tying his former season high of 17 goals during the 2020-2021 season.

In 64 games played thus far, Pavel Zacha has posted 16-27-43 and a plus/minus rating of +22. Zacha is on track for his best career season in the NHL to date. His break-out season has contributed to the Bruins remarkable season.

The 25-year-old earned himself a contract extension with the Boston Bruins on January 14th, 2023. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney announced the club had signed Zacha to a four-year contract extension through the 2026-2027 season. Pavel’s contract will carry a $4.75 million per year cap hit as its average annual value for the next four years.

Pavel Zacha will remain an essential part of the Bruins forward group. The careers of centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci remain uncertain after this season. The 25-year-old brings a high hockey IQ, size, and youthfulness to the Boston Bruins. B’s fans can look forward to seeing the best of Pavel Zacha for years to come.