Bruins' Zacha Linked To 2 Teams

The Boston Bruins need a big turnaround if they are going to be competitive next season and their forward group doesn't look encouraging at all. On top of that, there are trade rumors surrounding some players such as Pavel Zacha. The 28-year-old has two years left on his deal at $4.75 million AAV and has an eight-team no-trade clause.

What would make Zacha really attractive to some teams this offseason is that he can play center in an offseason where capable players at that position have been hard to come by. He is currently expected to be the second line center for the Bruins next season, but Casey Mittelstadt could also slide over and play there, making it a little easier to move Zacha. He put up 14 goals and 47 points last season while playing just over 19 minutes per game. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there have been two teams linked to Zacha.

Utah Mammoth

The bottom-6 of the Utah Mammoth definitely needs work as Liam O'Brien and Michael Carcone are not everyday NHL players. At the same time, Jack McBain or Lawson Crouse could be moved down to the fourth line as their production may be more fitting for that role. If acquired, Zacha would bolster that third line of the Mammoth and likely play center, but I also would expect someone like Alex Kerfoot or McBain to be headed the other way along with a pick or prospect. I don't think it would make the Bruins any better right now, but maybe down the line with whatever else they get in a potential deal with the Mammoth.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks need more help up the middle and Zacha could be the perfect replacement for what the team lost in Pius Suter. It would give the team another option to play second line center or deepen the position if Elias Pettersson or Filip Chytil get injured. There have been reports that the Canucks are still looking to shake up their group of forwards with Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger in trade rumors. A 2-for-1 might just work for both sides and would definitely be better for the Bruins getting a center and a physical winger who can produce offensively.