Ex-Bruins Prospect Signs Contract With Czech Republic League

Former Boston Bruins prospect Jakub Zboril failed to make the jump from the AHL to the NHL and has ultimately decided to return home to his native Czechia.

The Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga announced they’ve signed the 27-year-old blueliner to a contract through the 2028-29 season.

Zboril was selected by the Bruins with the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and signed a three-year, entry-level contract that summer. He made his NHL debut in the 2018-19 campaign and played in two games for Boston before returning to the Providence Bruins.

He played in 76 NHL games over four seasons with the Bruins, scoring one goal and 15 assists. He averaged 15:38 minutes of ice time. He began the 2023-24 campaign with the Bruins’ AHL affiliate before being dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Andrew Peeke and a 2027 third-round pick back in March.

Zboril is coming off a professional tryout with the New Jersey Devils, which, unfortunately for the once-considered top defensive prospect, didn’t result in a contract.

Prior to being drafted by the Bruins, Zboril played three seasons for the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. He amassed 94 points (28 goals and 66 assists) across 144 games with the Sea Dogs.