Pavel Zacha has taken the first step towards suiting up for the New Jersey Devils.
More than a month after being selected with the 6th overall pick Zacha has finally put pen to paper on a three-year entry-level contract. Zacha will carry a $925,000 cap hit.
As with all entry-level deals a year of Zacha's contract will be burned if and when he plays 10 games at the NHL level. The current setup allows him a nine-game tryout before GM Ray Shero and co. have to make a decision on if he's ready to be a full time NHLer or if he should go back to junior.
Shero has said Zacha will be given a real opportunity to make the team and it appears that's no bluff.
Shero allowed Scott Gomez to test the market and did not bring in a center to replace him, which ensures room for Zacha to play his natural position if he pushes his way onto the team.
Ultimately I think it is best for Zacha to spend another season in Sarnia, however, it sounds like a good showing in camp will likely earn him at least a couple games to prove himself when the season begins.
Whether Zacha makes the Devils or not remains to be seen but one thing is for sure: a roster spot is there for the taking. It's up to him to grab it.
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