Pavel Zacha agrees to multi-year extension with the Bruins
On Saturday night, the Boston Bruins had various reasons to celebrate. The night started with a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Shortly after they secured their 33rd victory of the season, the team announced that they had signed Pavel Zacha to a four-year $19 million extension. After entering the season with an uncertain future, Zacha has proven to be a valuable addition.
Through 42 games, the former sixth-overall pick has 25 points and one game-winning goal. On the Bruins second line, he has proven to be a spark offensively with 20 assists. His play has not gone unnoticed by head coach Jim Montgomery.
“Like Whatever we ask of him, he’s going to do it if it’s going to help the team. And then the other thing is just how smart of a hockey player he is offensively and defensively,” Montgomery told Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub.
While Zacha only has five goals this season, he has landed 34 hits. He has not been afraid to sacrifice his body and blocked 13 shots while adding 15 takeaways to his resume. The ability to excel at both ends of the ice has been a staple in Bruins hockey, and Zacha has been no exception.
If the regular season were to end today, Zacha’s 19 points at even strength would rank third on the team. In games that he has recorded at least a point, the Bruins have been nearly unbeatable and posted an 18-0-2 record. With veterans like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci nearing retirement, having a player like Zacha under control for the foreseeable future is critical.
As the playoffs inch closer, Zacha's importance will be highlighted. The Bruins have been the best team in hockey partly because of the Czech natives' impact on the second line. In the playoffs, points will be at a premium, and secondary scoring will be critical.
With Zacha now signed for the next four years, the Bruins future is clearer. If he can continue to provide a spark offensively, then in the end, this extension should age well for Don Sweeney and the Bruins.
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