NHL Rumors: Bruins to be patient with teams interested in Pavel Zacha, Casey Middlestadt
Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt have drawn interest, including from some Canadian teams, but Bruins are ready to move them
James Murphy, RG Media: The Boston Bruins are fielding calls from teams interested in Pavel Zacha, and the Vancouver Canucks are one of them, a source said.
“I know the Canucks really, really want him.”
Elliotte Friedman confirmed this on Saturday Headlines, saying talks have been going back and forth since the offseason.
Another source said that while they are listening to offers from Zacha, Casey Mittelstadt and others, they haven’t packed their bags at the end of the season and it’s too early.
“They will definitely listen to Zacha, Mittelstadt and other players, but more importantly understand their options to exit the playoffs before Thanksgiving or New Year’s in America,” a source told RG. “The front office and coaching staff have let the players know they still believe in them, so we’ll see how things unfold.”
Sources say one player the Bruins could consider on the Canucks roster is defenseman Victor Mancini, whom the Canucks acquired from the New York Rangers in the JT Miller trade.
The Calgary Flames inquired about Zacha in the offseason and are looking for offensive help. The Flames are also struggling and may be entering selling mode rather than buying mode.
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Another source said the Edmonton Oilers could be a good fit for Zacha in the center of the third line. The Bruins and Oilers made two trades last season.
Jeff Marek’s Worksheet: David Paniotta talks Boston Bruins forward/center Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt and the trade rumors surrounding them.
“I mean, no, there are two guys who are no strangers to the rumor mill. Their names were already popping up last season. Obviously, Middlestadt was doing well. But Zacha, the same situation, he, his name popped up around the deadline. His name popped up again in the summer.
They have two years left on their contracts. Mittelstadt has a no-trade list that will come into effect in July. Zacha had, I don’t remember, I think it was an eight or 10 team list, something like that, as far as a no-trade list. But his AAV is $4.75 million, and Mittelstadt’s AAV is $5.75 million.
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Frankly, depending on how long this little slump of theirs lasts, I think we’ll be hearing their names come up more often throughout the season. Because I think Boston is willing to continue to explore those two guys.
Mittelstadt, hey, we’re going to sell the versatility there because he can play center. He is now playing on the wing. But you know, Zacha is that guy because of the hat hit, especially that I think some teams are going to pay attention to.
I wonder about Vancouver there. I mentioned this on the web this week as well, about Vancouver looking for a center and how they have explored interests and hung out on Zacha in the past. This may be their goal. Additionally, the overall AAV is low at 4.75, which is a very, very, very good fit for a lot of teams looking for a center.
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