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A busy day in Boston indeed. If you haven’t read my article from earlier this afternoon covering the Patrice Bergeron signing, I’d go check that out now to get the full caliber of Boston’s productive Monday.
(Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Just hours after locking up their longtime Captain to a 1-year, $2.5 million deal, the Boston Bruins came to terms with centers Pavel Zacha and David Krejci on similar 1-year deals. Zacha will be getting $3.5 million, and Krejci will be getting $1 million (plus an additional $2 million in performance-based incentives) for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
Krejci spent the 2021-22 season in the Czech Republic, playing for HC Olomouc of the Czech Extraliga, the Czech Republic’s highest level of professional ice hockey. Krejci posted 46 points on 20 goals and 26 assists in 51 games played. Krejci was drafted 63rd overall by the Bruins in the 2004 NHL draft, and has played on and off for the Bruins his whole entire career, a career that has included stints with the Providence Bruins and teams in the Czech Extraliga. Krejci was a part of the 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins team.
Zacha, on the other hand, was drafted 6th overall in 2015 by the New Jersey Devils, and played with that organization his whole entire career up until this point. The 25 year old center was traded to the Bruins this offseason for Erik Haula as a restricted free-agent.
Zacha spent the last three seasons in the NHL with the Devils, where he was able to rack up 103 points on 40 goals and 63 assists in that time span.
Zacha put up career numbers last season, with 36 points, 15 goals and 21 assists for New Jersey. His size, versatility, and defensive prowess will make him a welcomed addition to this Boston team. With the absence of Brad Marchand for at least the first two months of the 2022-23 season due to offseason surgery, Zacha will have a great chance to impress the Bruins brass.