Report: NHL insider confirms the Boston Bruins are not trading this top-six forward and it's surprising

That's why Zacha's name keeps coming up. He's a recognizable top-six piece, he can play center or wing, and fans always assume you can replace that production with a cheaper option. It rarely works that cleanly.

Last year, there was noise around moving him at the deadline, and the Bruins ultimately kept him.

The fact the rumors returned this season tells you the league still sees Boston as a team willing to listen, even if they do not love the idea.

As a Bruins fan, I'm tired of hearing Zacha talked about like he's a spare part.

Seravalli's take is the sharpest pushback yet.

That's a real shift in how to read Boston's situation.

Zacha is still producing, with 10 goals and 26 points in 40 games, and he's not a one-lane player. He can take draws, handle tough matchups, and slide around the lineup without the whole thing collapsing.

He's also signed for another year at a reasonable cap hit, which matters for a team that is not rebuilding and cannot afford to toss away useful middle-six minutes. If Boston wants to climb back into the playoff picture, keeping players who can stabilize lines is a pretty logical move.

Mittelstadt being mentioned instead is interesting, because it hints at a different kind of deadline math. You move a player who might bring you a better fit, or clearer cap flexibility while keeping the guy who already does multiple jobs for you.

None of this guarantees a deal. The Bruins might stand pat, and both players could finish the year in black and gold. But Seravalli's comment adds a fresh layer, maybe the smarter play is protecting Zacha, not shopping him.