What Can We Expect from Pavel Zacha?

On July 13, 2022 the Boston Bruins acquired the rights to Pavel Zacha in exchange for Eric Haula. There were some mixed reviews among Bruins fans, especially since Zacha was a restricted free agent without a contract at the time.

It took about 3 weeks for Zacha to finally ink a deal – a one year deal that paid him $3,500,000. Five months later, he inked a 4-year, $19 million deal with an AAV of $4,750,000. That contract takes effect this season. Again, there were mixed reviews.

Zacha played in all 82 games last season scoring 21 goals, 36 assists and 57 points – all career highs. For the first time in his NHL career, he finished as a plus player with a plus-26, if you leave out the one game, he player during the 2015-2016 season.

Everyone, including the Bruins and Zacha himself want more. And the former sixth overall pick at the 2015 Entry Draft is poised for more.

There are many fans that believe it takes time to get accustomed to a new city, team and teammates. Some think it could take an entire season. So, let’s break down last season in half.

In his first 41 games, Zacha had 5 goals, 20 assists and 25 points. Over an 82-game schedule, that projects to 10 goals, 40 assists and 50 points, which still would have been career highs in assists and points.

In his last 41 games, Zacha had 16 goals, 16 assists and 32 points. Over an 82-game schedule, that projects to 32 goals, 32 assists and 64 points, all career points. Was he more comfortable with his surroundings during the second half? An interesting argument could be made.

However, just as many fans believe that Zacha was the beneficiary of playing on a record setting team. And that he was also the beneficiary of playing along side David Krejci and David Pastrnak. Again, an argument can be made for that. But I do believe Zacha has the skill and hockey smarts to play with two world class skaters like Krejci and Pastrnak.

Granted, Krejci is gone, but Pastrnak is still here. And Zacha will move to the middle as opposed to left wing. Different roles for sure and the added defensive responsibilities that come with playing down the middle.

On the plus side, Zacha will get more powerplay time. On the negative side, he’s going to face the oppositions toughest assignments skating along side Pastrnak. On the plus side, he already has excellent chemistry with Pastrnak. On the negative side, we don’t know who his left wing will be.

My belief is that Zacha will just slightly surpass his second half production from a year ago. The goals to assists ratio may be different but I do believe he will surpass the 64-point mark.

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