Pavel Zacha will be a Bruin through at least the 2026-27 NHL season, having reached an agreement on a four-year, $19 million contract extension. The deal was announced at TD Garden immediately following Saturday night’s 4-3 win over the Maple Leafs.
The average annual value ($4.75 million) is a raise from his expiring one-year deal worth $3.5 million. The deal also makes the 25-year-old Czech Republic native the fourth-highest-paid Bruins forward for next season, behind Brad Marchand ($6.125 million), Taylor Hall ($6 million), and Charlie Coyle ($5.25 million).
The still-unsigned David Pastrnak, in line for an extension that could be worth north of $11 million annually, would surely move to the front of that group if he re-ups. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, among others, are also on expiring contracts.
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General manager Don Sweeney offered a flat “no” when asked if there was an update on the Pastrnak talks. He was more effusive in praising Zacha, whom he acquired from the New Jersey Devils for Erik Haula last July.
“We made it pretty clear when we first had the opportunity to bring Pavel on board that we thought highly of him,” Sweeney said. “With the situation, we found common ground pretty quickly on a one-year deal, and then it sort of allowed us to explore at the right time. As you all know, every deal kind of has its own cadence and timeline and we’re fortunate to come to a fairly quick agreement and be happy. Certainly happy to have him be a part of our organization, not just this year, but moving forward.”
Zacha, who plays both wings and center, could be a middle-six center of the future. If the 25-year-old’s offense continues to blossom (5-20–25 in 42 games; his career high is 36 points), he could bat higher in the order.
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“Every line, every player here is really good. They’ve been helping me out,” said Zacha, name-checking centers Bergeron, Krejci, and Coyle. “I’m lucky to be here for a longer time.”
In his first season with the Bruins, Zacha has scored five goals to go with 20 assists through 42 games. He also has a plus-11 rating.
Matt Porter can be reached at matthew.porter@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyports.