Bruins Place Key Centers Up For Trade
For the first time in recent memory, the Boston Bruins have decided to adopt a seller's approach at the trade deadline. This shift became evident after they traded pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) forward Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers earlier today.
Additionally, following previous reports that defenseman Brandon Carlo and forward Morgan Geekie are available for the right price, the Bruins are now open to listening to offers for centers Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha, as reported by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
Coyle and Zacha Add Depth to Thin Center Market
The potential availability of Coyle and Zacha adds depth to a relatively thin center market ahead of Friday’s trade deadline, though neither player is a rental.
According to PuckPedia, Coyle is signed through the 2026-27 season with a $5.25 million cap hit and carries a full no-movement clause for the duration of his contract, severely limiting the Bruins' chances of trading him.
Coyle’s Struggles
Neither player has had a standout season, particularly Coyle.
The 33-year-old has recorded just 14 goals and 21 points in 62 games, a significant drop from his career-high 25 goals and 60 points last season. Despite averaging 17:39 of ice time per game—the second-highest mark of his career—Coyle has struggled to generate scoring chances.
His 1.45 shots on goal per game is the second-lowest rate of his 13-year NHL career, only ahead of his rookie season with the Minnesota Wild 12 years ago. He is also on track to post a career-worst -13 rating.
These struggles make a trade unlikely. While Coyle has a three-team no-trade list if he waives his NMC, it remains uncertain whether he would agree to leave his hometown team, even as the Bruins enter sell-off mode
Pavel Zacha Emerges as a More Intriguing Trade Candidate
In contrast, the 27-year-old Zacha presents a more intriguing trade candidate.
Zacha ranks third on the team in scoring with 12 goals and 37 points in 62 games while averaging 19:23 of ice time per game and serving as the Bruins’ de facto No. 1 center for the second consecutive season.
Since being acquired from the New Jersey Devils in 2022, Zacha has averaged 0.69 points per game with Boston.
His contract, which carries no trade protection until July 1, makes him a more attractive option on the market. With two years remaining on his deal and a $4.75 million cap hit, Zacha offers better value than most other available centers.
Standing at 6’3", Zacha is a full-time center with strong faceoff numbers, winning 54.2% of his draws since the start of the 2023-24 season—a notable improvement after spending much of his career below 50%. This sets him apart from other available centers like Ryan Donato or Scott Laughton.
Image - Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn
