The Boston Bruins have made a significant move, placing Jakub Zboril on waivers, marking the end of the defenseman’s tenure with the team. Zboril, a 26-year-old defenseman and the Bruins’ first pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, is seeking a fresh opportunity elsewhere after his time in Boston.
According to reports from Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Bruins honored Zboril’s request to explore other NHL options by waiving him. However, there’s no intention to terminate his contract or pursue a European hockey stint.
Other NHL teams have until 2 p.m. on Thursday to claim Zboril off waivers. He is in the final year of a contract valued at $1.137 million against the salary cap.
Zboril was part of the Bruins’ trio of first-round selections in 2015, followed by Jake DeBrusk and Zach Senyshyn. While DeBrusk has secured a consistent spot in Boston’s top-six lineup, Zboril and Senyshyn primarily spent their time in the AHL.
Notable players chosen after the Bruins’ selections include Mathew Barzal, Kyle Connor, Thomas Chabot, Joel Eriksson Ek, Brock Boeser, Travis Konecny, and Sebastian Aho.
Despite appearing in 19 games for Providence in 2023-24 and registering seven assists, Zboril didn’t feature in any games for Boston this season. His role in Boston was gradually taken over by Ian Mitchell, and with Mason Lohrei emerging as the next defenseman in line, Zboril’s departure from the Bruins became inevitable.
Throughout his time with Boston, Zboril played 76 games, tallying a goal, 15 assists, and averaging 15:38 of ice time per game.
