Jakub Zboril to Continue Hockey Career in Czech Republic, Signs with Dynamo Pardubice Until 2029
Former Boston Bruins defenseman Jakub Zboril is set to embark on a new chapter of his hockey career in his home country, having signed a contract with Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga. The deal, announced on Sunday, extends through the 2028-29 season, marking a significant move for the 27-year-old blueliner.
Zboril was originally selected 13th overall by the Bruins in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, a class in which Boston held three first-round picks. Despite high expectations, Zboril struggled to secure a permanent role with the Bruins, appearing in just 76 games over four seasons. During that time, he contributed one goal, 15 assists, and averaged 15:38 of ice time per game. Although he showed flashes of potential, injuries and competition for spots limited his opportunities to establish himself as a fixture on the Boston blue line.
Ahead of the 2023-24 NHL trade deadline, Zboril was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Andrew Peeke. However, his stint with Columbus never materialized into significant playing time. Following the season, Zboril signed a professional tryout agreement with the New Jersey Devils, hoping to reignite his NHL career. Unfortunately, he did not make the team out of training camp and was subsequently released, making him a free agent.
While Zboril’s career in North America has been marked by challenges, his return to the Czech Republic represents a fresh opportunity to reboot his career. Dynamo Pardubice, one of the top teams in the Czech Extraliga, offers Zboril a stable environment to thrive, with a long-term commitment that could see him become a leader on the team’s defensive corps.
Once considered a top prospect for the Bruins, Zboril’s NHL trajectory became symbolic of Boston’s much-debated 2015 draft class. Despite having three first-round selections that year, the Bruins only saw Jake DeBrusk develop into a consistent NHL contributor, while Zboril and fellow first-rounder Zachary Senyshyn never solidified themselves in Boston. DeBrusk, incidentally, signed with the Vancouver Canucks in the offseason, leaving a mixed legacy for that draft.
For Zboril, the move to Dynamo Pardubice is not only a homecoming but a chance to rekindle his career and contribute to a competitive team in his native league. At 27, he still has plenty of hockey ahead of him and will look to make an impact over the next several seasons as he re-establishes himself in Europe.
