The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly expressed interest in Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha, potentially seeking to bolster their center position. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks' interest in Zacha dates back to the summer, with ongoing discussions between the two teams.
The Canucks' need for a top-six center has become more pressing due to recent injuries and trades. The team traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers and received Filip Chytil in return, but Chytil has primarily played as a third-line center in the NHL. With Chytil currently sidelined with a concussion and Teddy Blueger also injured, the Canucks' center depth has been further depleted.
Zacha, 28, is currently in his third season with the Bruins and carries a $4.75 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season. The Bruins forward also owns an eight-team no-trade list, but Vancouver is reportedly not on that list. Selected sixth overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2015 NHL Draft, Zacha didn't fully emerge as a top-six center until he joined the Bruins for their record-setting 2022-23 season. He has been a consistent offensive contributor, nearing the 50-point mark in the past seasons. In 2024-25, Zacha recorded 14 goals and 33 assists for 47 points in 82 games. So far in the 2025-26 season, he has nine points (two goals and seven assists) in 10 games.
Despite the Canucks' interest, the Bruins are not necessarily looking to trade Zacha, especially given that he is not in the final year of his contract. Friedman noted that the Bruins are under no pressure to make a deal unless they receive an offer that meets their demands. General Manager Don Sweeney is reportedly open to roster changes and has been fielding calls on players like Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt.
The Bruins, who recently broke a six-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, have had a tough start to the 2025-26 season with a 4-6-0 record. Zacha has been a bright spot for the team, contributing offensively. It remains to be seen whether the Canucks and Bruins can find common ground on a trade for Zacha.
