Zacha is on pace for the strongest offensive output of his eight-year career with five goals, 20 assists, 64 SOG and a +10 plus/minus through 42 games in his first season in Boston and has signed a four-year, $4.75 million extension Saturday.
Zacha is a pending RFA who is coming off of a three-year deal worth $2.25M AAV. The 2015 No.6 overall pick has never fully unlocked the offensive potential he flashed as a Sarnia Sting (OHL). The 25-year-old is coming off of a 15-goal, 21-assist (36 points) season in 2021-22.
Zacha left Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury just 2:40 into the game after getting hit while taking a shot and sliding heavily into the boards. Head coach Lindy Ruff called him doubtful to play Wednesday, so look for Mason Geertsen to draw into the lineup.
Zacha missed the Devils' last game but was back on the ice for practice on Saturday and said he feels ready to play Sunday vs. St. Louis. Zacha will likely replace Jimmy Vesey in the lineup, as Vesey deals with an illness of his own.
Zacha and Yegor Sharangovich entered COVID-19 protocol and will not play in Boston. With Zacha, Sharangovich and Nico Hischier all out, Thomas Tatar, Alexander Holtz and Nolan Foote are expected to play.
Zacha has missed the last five games with a knee injury that he suffered on April 11th but will return to the lineup tonight in Pittsburgh. Zacha, who has three goals and three assists in his last five games, will return on a line with Nico Hischier.
Zacha left Sunday's game with an undisclosed injury and did not return. Zacha underwent some imaging on Monday and is meeting with team doctors on Tuesday, so consider him day-to-day until the Devils provide more information.
Zacha was scratched after being listed as a game-time decision on Thursday but is expected to play in today's rematch vs. Pittsburgh. Zacha has had a nice campaign to-date, scoring seven goals with 10 assists (17 points) in 26 games. He will replace Nathan Bastian, who is now week-to-week with an injury of his own.
Zacha was on the ice for the morning skate but was unable to finish the session, making him questionable to play Thursday. If Zacha can't play, look for Michael McLeod to draw back into the lineup.
Zacha missed one game with a lower-body injury but will replace Kevin Rooney tonight in Ottawa. Zacha has three goals and 13 assists (16 points) in 33 games this season.
Zacha was in the morning skate but left early and is listed as a game-time decision. If Zacha can't play, look for Kevin Rooney to draw into the lineup.
Zacha set a new career-high in goals (13) while matching his career-high in points (25) while playing just 61 games last season. Zacha is a player that the Devils use in all situations. He was third among New Jersey forwards in SH TOI/gm (2:11), ninth in PP TOI/gm (1:41) and 11th in EV TOI/gm (12:13).
Zacha appears close to returning to the Devils lineup but will miss his ninth straight game on Tuesday. His next chance to return to the lineup will be Friday in Washington.
