When a team is exiting their perennial contender status, contract extensions can be difficult. Teams must ask themselves if an extension is worth it or wanted, a tough question. If not, would it be best to let the player leave via trade or free agency? For a while, it seemed like the Boston Bruins were facing this dilemma with David Pastrnak, but according to reports, that may be about to change.
Boston Bruins Begin Process of David Pastrnak Contract Talks
Per Eric Russo of NHL.com, the Bruins have opened talks with Pastrnak’s representatives. General manager Don Sweeney met with the winger’s agent during the draft and it is understood the conversation was positive. Whilst the intricacies of the 26-year-old’s future salary and term were not discussed, Sweeney disclosed that all parties left Montreal satisfied.
“They’re going to talk to David and attack it as soon as we can,” said Sweeney. “They know the position the organization is in and how aggressive we’d like to be. David has a say in that, obviously, so you hope the two things align and you move forward in an aggressive manner. You’re right, he’s a big part of the Boston Bruins.”
What Does This Mean?
Per Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, ‘Pasta’ was reported to have been unhappy with the way Sweeney handled similar situations with former teammates Torey Krug and David Krejci, who both departed Boston. There was the lingering cloud of captain Patrice Bergeron’s possible retirement. Based on the reports, it would not have been surprising if Pastrnak had been open to leaving. However, Russo’s report has confirmed the fan favourite will likely be staying in Massachusetts. Sweeney reportedly having told Pastrnak that they see him as ‘a lifelong Bruin’.
It will be interesting to see what the Czech’s new deal will be worth. Currently, his salary is a team-friendly $6.66 million AAV. There is no doubt he will receive a large raise. Fellow winger Artemi Panarin could be comparable. He bagged himself a contract worth just over $11.6 million AAV with a full no-movement clause in free agency. Whilst Panarin is a playmaker and Pastrnak is a goalscorer, both players’ contribution to their respective teams has a similar impact. Therefore, we may see Pastrnak potentially ask for a similar deal.
Don Sweeney provides updates on David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, and David Krejci before free agency https://t.co/gE3gtR2o8b pic.twitter.com/jiQuz4RBRC
— Boston.com Bruins News (@BDCBruins) July 9, 2022
