If two teams in the NHL need a top-six center, it's the Los Angeles Kings and the Boston Bruins. Both teams will start the 2026-27 season this week with that opening that wasn't addressed this offseason.
The Bruins have been without one since Patrice Bergeron retired a couple of seasons ago, and general manager Don Sweeney has failed to address it. Los Angeles had Anze Kopitar retire following last season, but like the Bruins, didn't address the need down the middle.
However, you could make the case that the Bruins have the better center depth beginning the season, but the Kings have the perfect target to poach from Sweeney and the Bruins to fill their need should Sweeney look to trade Pavel Zacha.
Bruins have a perfect trade target for the Kings in Pavel Zacha
Breaking camp, Quinton Byfield is expected to be the first-line center, and after that, Los Angeles could go a couple of routes with former Boston pivot Erik Haula and Scott Laughton among the players who will be battling for a middle-six spot. However, if they struggle, it might force the Kings' hands in looking to pry Zacha away from Boston.
Zacha is entering the final year of his contract with the Black and Gold. He was the second-line center last season with former Kings wing Viktor Arvidsson and Casey MIttlestadt and put up a career-high 30 goals and 65 points. He can play in all situations and should be Boston's first-line center over Elias Lindholm.
However, Zacha is up for a huge payday in his next contract next summer, and it doesn't feel like the Bruins are going to be the team that gives it to him. If not, that will leave Sweeney with no choice but to trade him. Sweeney has moved on from players in the past if there was no chance of them re-signing.
As far as Los Angeles goes, getting a player like Zacha to solidify the top-six down the middle with Byfield would be a game-changer and increase the Kings' chances of making the postseason in the Pacific Division.
What would it cost Los Angeles to acquire Zacha? That depends on whether or not an extension can be worked out ahead of time. If they get him as a rental, then he'd likely be a first-round pick and a low-tier prospect. If an extension is involved, then the asking price would be higher. Regardless, if Sweeney decides to move on from Zacha, then there will be a lot of suitors, and Los Angeles should be in the mix. It makes just too much sense.
Add us as a preferred source on Google