4 Teams Linked To Bruins Pending UFA Pavel Zacha

As a versatile middle-six forward, Boston Bruins' pending UFA Pavel Zacha will certainly have his suitors if he reaches unrestricted free agency next summer. Bruins GM Don Sweeney says there are ongoing negotiations, and he hopes to keep the veteran center. But Zacha's recent comments to the media at training camp were much more... mysterious. "Don knows where we stand. ... It's out of my control a little bit."

With that, the rumor mill is churning on Zacha, and insider Nick Kypreos writes for Sportsnet that the Bruins could take a wait-and-see attitude, then names four teams that would be expressly interested in acquiring the 29-year-old.

The Bruins are in a real pickle with 29-year-old Zacha and teams like Nashville, Columbus, Philadelphia and Montreal are watching closely. Boston could commit now to a long-term deal in around a $9 million AAV, or wait it out to see what type of start they get out of the gate. If it’s a slow one, Zacha could skyrocket as a top trade candidate this season. 

Zacha is finishing up a four-year, $19 million deal with the Bruins ($4.75 million AAV). He set career highs last season with 30 goals and 65 points, and the aforementioned teams could all use him. 

Nashville is a team that's not shy about making moves, as new GM Chris McFarland has shown this summer. They could certainly use some depth down the middle. 

The Blue Jackets are staring at the potential loss of a quality top-six forward in Kirill Marchenko, and Zacha could fill a big void for them, while both Philly and Montreal have been on the lookout for second-line scoring additions. Perhaps the Habs' recent signing of Chris Kreider fills their need, but having another proven veteran like Zacha could make them an even more formidable team coming playoff time.