Czech-mate! Jakub Zboril will play a key role for the Bruins, at least until Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk are back and ready. Zboril will factor in within the Bruins' top-six, if not play a solid top-four defenseman role.
Zboril will have every opportunity early in the season to earn a full-roster spot. The Czech-born defender showed improvement last season when he played in ten games. Zboril looked stronger and played a more mature game before getting injured. During his short season, Zboril recorded three points, averaging just more than 15 minutes per night. He sustained a torn ACL mid-season.
INJURY UPDATE: Boston Bruins defender Jakub Zboril has undergone surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee and will miss the remainder of this season. #NHLBruins
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 21, 2021
The Bruins need Zboril to step up, furthermore helping their financial cap. If Zboril is able to hold the fort as a bottom pair d-man, the Bruins will likely move Mike Reilly. This would save Boston $3 million in cap space, which could be used elsewhere.
Zboril was once touted as one of the best prospects available in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Zboril entered the draft as a two-way shut down defender playing for the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. His strong season moved him up the draft boards and he was ultimately selected by Boston 13th overall.
The Brno native has played in a total of 54 NHL games, all with the Boston Bruins. Zboril has yet to record his first NHL goal, but has recorded 12 points. Zboril is currently 25 years old and is set to turn 26 next year. Zboril is entering his final years of development, so it is essential for a big, improving season.
The Bruins inked Zboril to a one-year extension this offseason. This is a make-or-break-it year for the defender. Bruins management and fans hope for a strong season from Zboril, improving from his strong play last season.