NHL Rumors: 3 Potential Landing Spots For Pavel Zacha

One player hockey fans should keep an eye on this summer is New Jersey Devils forward Pavel Zacha. The 2015 first-round pick was a major name in the rumor mill before the deadline, but the team opted to keep him around for the rest of the season. Yet, given the Devils' center depth and Zacha inching closer to his UFA status, the team could once again consider moving him.

Let's look at three teams who should enter the Zacha sweepstakes.

Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks expressed interest in Pavel Zacha before the trade deadline, but no move was made. Yet, management has established that they will be looking to shed some salary. The Devils have had confirmed interest in pending RFA Brock Boeser, too. Perhaps NJ could include Zacha in a package to land Boeser.

Montreal Canadiens: Like the Canucks, the Canadiens were interested in Zacha before the deadline. He's a player that definitely would make sense for them, as he is still young and has room for more growth. Furthermore, he would be an immediate fit in their top six and would provide them with more stability on their penalty kill. Thus, if made available again by the Devils, Montreal should once again be in the sweepstakes.

Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks had some good moments during the 2021-22 season but opted to be major sellers at the deadline. Although they are still rebuilding, they are forming a strong core of young players. Thus, it wouldn't be surprising to see them pursue Zacha, as he would give them another forward who could help them take another step in the right direction.