Where Will You Find Pavel Zacha Playing on the Bruins Roster?

Pavel Zacha is a Czech-born forward who was acquired from the New Jersey Devils this past offseason. New Jersey selected Zacha with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The 25-year-old winger was once touted as an elite-dynamic offensive force. 

 
Zacha had a career high of 179 points in 386 games with the New Jersey Devils. This past 2021–22 season, the forward scored a career-high 15 goals and 21 assists in 70 games, playing in New Jersey's top-six.
He did not develop into the expectations of the Devils and was given a fresh start with Boston after being traded for Erik Haula. The question is, where does Zacha fit in Boston's lineup?
First, we must establish some assumptions. There are rumors that David Krejci will sign a brief deal to join the Boston Bruins once again. If Patrice Bergeron does not retire, Krejci will fill the void as the second-line centerman. It is also likely that Patrice Bergeron will sign a one-year deal and play in the upcoming season. Zacha will probably play on the wing due to the depth of Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Charlie Coyle.
 
To start the season, we envision Zacha playing on the second line alongside David Krejci and either David Pastrnak or Jake DeBrusk. This is due to the fact that superstar Brad Marchand will be out to start the 2022-23 NHL season after undergoing hip surgery. Zacha plays a high-skilled game, using his speed and skill. Just imagine David Krejci dishing a perfect seam-pass to send Zacha on a break!
 
Once the return of Brad Marchand is in full effect, it is likely that Zacha will end up playing on the third line. Boston is a very deep top-nine team that is in the running for the Stanley Cup. We suggest a first-line of DeBrusk-Bergeron-Marchand and a second-line of Hall-Krejci-Pastrnak. This means that Zacha will figure alongside Charlie Coyle and Craig Smith, two solid veteran players.
 
The Czech-forward will also play on Boston's second powerplay unit. Last year, this unit was commanded by Hampus Lindholm and Matt Grzelcyk. There is also a likelihood that Zacha gets a look on the first power play unit due to the injury to Marchand.


Please also keep in mind that other outstanding events could occur that could further throw off this prediction. To be safe, Zacha will fit in as a top-nine offensive forward in the Bruins' lineup. 

Zacha is currently a restricted free agent without a contract, although sources say that he is close to an agreement with the Bruins, if not he is sit to have a arbitration hearing this upcoming week.