Can the Bruins even afford to lose Pastrnak?

Many fear management is going to screw this up…

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Can the Bruins even afford to lose Pastrnak?
Keystone Press

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said it loud and clear publicly: he has no plans to trade forward David Pastrnak.  But fans are also getting antsy, with a few weeks to go before the opening of training camp. 

The restricted free agent and the team management have yet to reach a contract extension.

In mid-August, it was reported that the Bruins and Pastrnak were close to signing a contract that was slightly cheaper and shorter than teammate Brad Marchand's eight-year, $49 million deal, but then Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl elevated Pastrnak's value with his deal this summer…

The Bruins currently have $10.15 million in cap space remaining for the 2017-18 season, according to CapFriendly. Pastrnak is coming off a three-year, $2.775 million entry-level contract.

A report from Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald revealed that agent J.P. Barry will be seeking a max-term deal for his client. He also appeared to indicate that he felt the Bruins have yet to make a serious offer for his client.

The Bruins are rumored to have offered Pastrnak a deal worth $42 million, with the rumor being that it was over a 6 or 7 year term, if the Bruins feel this is the best offer they will be making Pastrnak, we may be in for a prolonged contract battle.

Fans know it and Bruins management will need to remember: Pastrnak is too much of a significant part of the Bruins’ future. The young forward is in line to be the face of the franchise, if he hasn’t become it already. No one in the team can replace his raw talents, and the important role he plays to ensure the Bruins head back to the postseason in years to come. 

Now let’s see if the Bruins and Pastrnak can write it down on paper, and get started with the new season! 

Source: Hockey Feed