Maple Leafs Among Teams Linked to Undecided Bruins Forward

The Boston Bruins are hesitant to trade forward Pavel Zacha, but insiders like Pierre LeBrun are noting that it’s not impossible to imagine the forward gets dealt. While the Vancouver Canucks have already been linked to Zacha — likely to help limit the damage from the string of injuries the team has suffered – the Canucks aren’t the only team interested.

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Zacha is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about names on the market.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly emerged as a possible landing spot with Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson including them among a list of teams that could kick tires on his availability. He writes:

“The Maple Leafs are still trying to fill the void at right wing on their first line following Mitch Marner‘s departure. They could slot Zacha at left wing and move Matthew Knies or Bobby McMann to right wing. However, they lack sufficient cap space, first-rounders, and prospects to entice the Bruins.”

Zacha Won’t Be Inexpensive to Acquire in Trade

If the Bruins do decide to entertain a trade, the asking price for Zacha will be substantial. That’s a potential issue for the Maple Leafs, who are tight to the salary cap and lack the high-end assets or draft capital needed to entice a deal with Boston.

Zacha is in the third year of a four-year, $19 million contract. It’s a fair number, and that means several teams will show interest. Beyond Toronto, the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Canucks have all been mentioned as possible suitors — clubs either looking for center depth or top-six scoring help.

The Bruins appear content to wait, but if they decide to sell, expect a bidding war — and for Toronto to at least make the call.

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