New Jersey Devils general manager Ray Shero isn't fazed by speculation that Pavel Zacha could be looking to sign elsewhere to start the 2019-20 campaign.
There are reports that the 22-year-old restricted free agent, who has yet to sign, has agreed to a one-year deal with the KHL's Avangard Omsk, as per Igor Eronko of the Sport-Express.
Shero had strong comments on the situation, saying very bluntly — a little too bluntly — that he doesn't care if Zacha chooses to play elsewhere.
NHL FREE AGENCY 2019: Tracker for all 31 teams' RFAs, UFAs
"I don’t give a [expletive] if he signs with the KHL or if he signs with [expletive] Brampton (an ECHL club). I don’t give a [expletive] where. We hold his rights," Shero told the Associated Press.
Devils GM Ray Shero to AP’s @john_wawrow on restricted free agent Pavel Zacha: “I don’t give a (expletive) if he signs with the KHL or if he signs with (expletive) Brampton. I don’t give a (expletive) where. We hold his rights.” https://t.co/4mRe5Yh126
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) September 9, 2019
In 61 games last season, the 2015 sixth-overall pick notched a career-high 13 goals and 25 points. He has 76 points in 201 career games with New Jersey.
The team issued Zacha a qualifying offer in June. If the restricted free agent doesn't sign soon, he could miss the start of training camp, which kicks off on Sept. 13 for the Devils.