Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced on Monday May 19 that the team has signed goaltender Simon Zajicek to a one-year entry level contract with a cap hit of $872,500. All entry level contracts are two-way contracts.
Zajicek played last season with HC Litvinov in the Czech League, appearing in 29 games and finishing with a 15-13-0 record. He posted an impressive 2.12 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage, earning five shutouts along the way. In the playoffs, he appeared in three games, recording a 2.63 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.
For over a decade, goaltending has been one of the Bruins’ greatest assets. However, as the offseason approaches, uncertainty looms over the organization. While the situation at the NHL level with Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo is well known, the depth beyond them is far less clear. The path forward remains murky, raising important questions about the future of the team’s goaltending stability.
AHL Goaltender of the Year Michael DiPietro and his tandem partner Brandon Bussi are set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1. DiPietro is likely to draw interest from NHL teams, though Bussi’s future remains uncertain. Both netminders may see clearer opportunities to reach the NHL elsewhere, making free agency an appealing option.
Nolan Maier and Ryan Bischel spent last season with the Maine Mariners in the ECHL and remain under AHL contracts. The Bruins took low-risk chances on both goaltenders, but at this stage, they appear to be break glass in case of emergency options—ready to step in if an emergency arises in Providence.
Philip Svedeback, the goaltender for Providence College, is set to begin his senior year in the NCAA. If the Bruins viewed him as a serious contender for their future plans, they likely would have made a move to sign him to an entry-level contract once his season concluded. That was not the case.
So, what does this signing mean?
This signing could have various implications, but one thing is certain—the Bruins should still prioritize finding an NHL-caliber goaltender in the upcoming draft.
The Bruins may look to move Korpisalo in the offseason, which would create an opening at the NHL level for DiPietro or Bussi, while positioning Zajicek in Providence. There’s also the possibility that DiPietro or Bussi—or both—have already indicated they won’t be returning, prompting the Bruins to get ahead of the situation with this signing. What we do know is that discussions have taken place with DiPietro. However, this signing would only fill one hole if they were both to move.
Setting aside all the speculation, the Bruins evidently saw potential in Zajicek. It’s likely that Bob Essensa had significant influence in the decision. Earlier in the year, Litvinov opted to extend Zajicek’s contract for another season. However, Extraliga contracts include a clause that allows players to terminate their agreement if they secure an NHL deal—though doing so comes at a financial cost to the Bruins.
At 23 years old, Zajicek has emerged as a late bloomer in the European hockey scene. His journey to the NHL has been unconventional, but his recent performances indicate that he could be a valuable asset for the Bruins’ goaltending depth.
Zajicek stands at 6’2″ and 187 lbs, giving him a solid frame for a modern NHL goaltender. His ability to track the puck and maintain strong positioning has been a key factor in his success. He plays a composed game, relying on his reflexes and technical efficiency rather than sheer athleticism. His .930 save percentage in the 2024-25 season led the Extraliga, demonstrating his ability to make crucial saves under pressure. Additionally, his five shutouts tied him for second in the league, further proving his reliability in net.
One of Zajicek’s standout qualities is his ability to control rebounds effectively. He rarely allows second-chance opportunities, which is a crucial skill for goaltenders transitioning to the NHL. His lateral movement is smooth, allowing him to react quickly to cross-ice passes and maintain strong positioning against high-danger scoring chances.
Zajicek’s path to professional hockey has been unique. He wasn’t considered an NHL prospect during his draft year, spending time in Czechia’s U-19 junior league and third-division professional circuit. However, his rapid development saw him earn a full-time role with HC Litvinov.
While Zajicek has shown promise, there are areas he will need to refine to succeed in North America. The NHL’s faster pace and increased traffic in front of the net will challenge his ability to track pucks through screens. Additionally, adjusting to the smaller rink size and more aggressive forechecking style will require some adaptation.
His puck-handling skills could also use improvement. While he is not a liability when playing the puck, becoming more confident in distributing it to his defensemen will help him fit into Boston’s system more effectively.
Dom - Hockey 
Thanks for the rundown on goalies. They are great assets for many purposes. They often have increased trade value coming out of Goalie Bob’s development. Keeps the net competetive.
i expect with new Russian & European scouts, Zdeno Chara involved able to communicate well on behalf of Bruins, we’ll be team building with more undrafted players.
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