The Boston Bruins have a major trade target on their hands. Several clubs have called to inquire about the availability of a second-line center option. Among the clubs are the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames.
The forward in question is Pavel Zacha. According to a report published on September 11 by James Murphy of RG Media, the Bruins are not actively shopping the 28-year-old. However, the club has been getting offers from multiple clubs.
Murphy quoted an anonymous league executive:
“The Canadiens definitely have interest in Zacha and have inquired about him, but they’re not the only team. Several teams — I’m told the Flames are one — continue to express interest in him.”
Various clubs have been rumored to be in the market for a second-line center. The Canadiens have been the most widely known. However, other clubs like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are also interested in landing a top-six center, per the chatter around the league.
The Bruins are actively looking to move anyone just yet. But as the source noted, a tough start to the season could spur Boston to make moves. In particular, one source stated:
“Donny [Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney] is not shopping him. This is just him doing his job and listening. I don’t see this as something that would happen before American Thanksgiving. If the Bruins get off to another brutal start and the Holiday trade freeze is looming, well, then this could become a lot more than just listening, but that goes for other Bruins players too, not just Zacha.”
That situation means if the Bruins are out of the playoff hunt by mid-December, the floodgates could open.
Canadiens’ Offer to Bruins not Enough to Move Needle
Murphy also named the offer Montreal made for Zacha, who’s entering the third year of a four-year, $19 million contract. According to the report, the Canadiens could be willing to part with forward prospects Joshua Roy and Oliver Kapanen. Another name rumored to be part of the offer is Jayden Struble.
However, names believed to be in the mix are not enough to move the Bruins’ needle. So, the Canadiens may need to pony up more to get Zacha.
According to Murphy’s source, Struble would be a person of interest:
“I know he’s a guy they’ve liked, but it would take more than him to acquire Zacha.”
The Canadiens may need to include other assets, such as a high draft pick or prospect, to sway be Bruins to move Zacha.
Canadiens Need a Center and Boston Could Be Solution
It is no secret that the Canadiens have been looking for a second-line center all summer. While the incumbent is Kirby Dach, his injury history could be a major concern. As such, the Habs will be looking to secure a solid upgrade in case Dach can’t play a full season.
The Habs view themselves as a playoff team after reaching the postseason last year. Meanwhile, the Bruins look like a team on the decline. Of course, Boston’s solid core could come around and make a run at a playoff spot.
But as it stands, the Bruins could be the Canadiens’ solution to their second-line center dilemma. The only thing the Canadiens would need to do is pay up.
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