The New Jersey Devils have traded Pavel Zacha to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Erik Haula, reports Chris Johnston of TSN. Zacha is a restricted free agent, but Haula has one more season on his current deal at an annual average value of $2.375 million. The deal seems to suggest the Devils are looking to clear cap space, potentially to make a big move during free agency. Zach is due a $3 million qualifying offer.
Zacha, 25, is a two-way, 6-foot-3 forward capable who can play both center and wing. He posted 36 points over 70 games this past season. He likes to create offense off the rush. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft, but has struggled to live up to his high draft position expectations. He posted 36 points last season, which was a career-high.
Haula is a good player and the Bruins sell high on him while getting younger, bigger and a bit more versatile in the process.
The Bruins were looking for a bit more forward help this coming season, even though there is speculation that both Patrice Bergeon and David Krejci will be back with the team this season. The Bruins have massive injury woes heading into 2022-23 season. Zacha might get a good look early in the season which could allow him to get out the gates in a hurry.
Haula is older, but has a longer history of consistent production. Haula scored18 goals and 44 points in 78 games last season for the Bruins.
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