David Pastrnak lands in hot water after comments on Leon Draisaitl
What’s the wrong that can happen here?
For weeks now, scenarios have been made up about the Edmonton Oilers failing to win the Stanley Cup, prompting star forward Leon Draisaitl from wanting out. Rumours have linked the German forward to many teams, but more specifically two clubs that could go all-in to acquire Draisaitl in the San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins.
And when it comes to the latter, even the players in Bean Town have made it clear that Draisaitl would be the perfect addition to the Bruins. While making a guest appearance on the popular “Spittin’ Chicklets” podcast, David Pastrnak himself said in no uncertain terms that he would love to see the Bruins acquire Draisaitl.
“I would love Draisaitl,” he said.
When Pastrnak made the comments, it was quickly brushed off, especially since co-host Paul Bissonnette brought up former Bruins forward Tyler Bertuzzi as a potential target to re-acquire. Pastrnak joked that he had betrayed the Bruins by signing with the Leafs, and the comment on Draisaitl was quickly forgotten.
However, TVA Sports analyzed the line about wanting to get Draisaitl in Boston and believe Pastrnak could land in hot water with the NHL for tampering.
We’ve seen some incidents of tampering in the past in the NHL : back in 2009, the Toronto Maple Leafs and then-head coach Ron Wilson as he was fined when he made comments indicating that his club was interested in pursuing the Sedin twins, still under contract in Vancouver.
The Canucks were also fined for tampering seven years ago when then-general manager Jim Benning expressed his interest – during an appearance with Matt Sekeres and Blake Price on TSN 1040 – in Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, a pending unrestricted free agent, and then-Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban.
I’m not saying that’s what Pastrnak did here, but could the NHL investigate more on the Bruins and their connection to Draisaitl?
The Oilers’ superstar can become an unrestricted free agent in July 2025 if the Oilers don’t get him signed to a new contract before then.
But we all know, a lot can happen between now and then.
