Bruins sign Simon Zajicek to one-year, two-way contract extension
The Boston Bruins announced on Tuesday that they have signed goalie Simon Zajicek to a one-year, two-way contract extension that carries a salary cap hit of $850,000 at the NHL level.
The #NHLBruins have signed goaltender Simon Zajicek to a one-year, two-way contract extension through the 2026-27Ā season with an NHL cap hit of $850,000. š°: bbru.in/4eJegbP
Zajicek, who the Bruins originally acquired by signing him as an undrafted free agent, made his North American debut this season with Bostonās AHL affiliate Providence Bruins, where he put up a 14-6-1 record in 21 appearances that saw him turn shots aside at a .915 clip to go with a 2.44 goals against average.
A six-foot-two 24-year old from Frydlant, Czechia, Zajicek spent time from 2019 to 2025 playing for HC LitvĆnov of the Czech league. He turned in an excellent campaign in 2024-25 that caught the eyes of Boston, as he went 15-13-0 with a .930 save percentage and 2.12 GAA.
He also made a pair of appearances for the Czech national team in which he went 2-0-0 without surrendering a goal.
This move provides some clarity to the Bruinsā organization situation in goal. Jeremy Swayman is of course entrenched as Bostonās starter, and backup Joonas Korpisalo is under contract for two more seasons at a $3 million price tag.
At the minor league level, Boston is liable to lose AHL star Michael DiPietro to waivers. The 27-year-old has put together an excellent resume in the minors, is no longer waiver exempt, and has likely earned an opportunity at an NHL gig.
Two years ago, DiPietro beat out Brandon Bussi for the starting spot in Providence. Bussi ultimately signed with the Florida Panthers last summer before joining the Carolina Hurricanes as a waiver claim and ultimately winning the Stanley Cup, proving the quality of Bostonās organizational goaltending depth beyond Swayman.
If that takes place and comes outside of Boston, Zajicek will likely pair with Max Lundgren to form the goaltending duo in Providence.