Report: Bruins qualify eight pending RFAs

The Boston Bruins have announced that they’ve tendered qualifying offers to eight players, including David Pastrnak, Ryan Spooner, Tim Schaller and Malcolm Subban. A qualifying offer simply designates these players as restricted free-agents come July 1st, rather than unrestricted free-agents. It does not, however, mean that Sweeney’s work is done… far from it, actually.

Sweeney continues to negotiate with 21 year-old David Pastrnak in advance of the opening of free-agency on July 1st. It’s expected that the 34 goal scorer in 2016-17 will sign a contract with the B’s in the neighborhood of $6 million annually, but there are questions about the term of any potential agreement. One theory suggests that the Bruins should commit longterm to the young Czech sniper to avoid potentially paying a premium through his unrestricted free-agent years. The other theory suggests a shorter-term “bridge” contract whereby Pastrnak can prove his value to the franchise.

Regardless of whether or not Pastrnak signs a short term or a long term deal with the Bruins this summer, look for the dynamic goal scorer to once again slot alongside Brad Marchand in 2017-18. With 34 goals and 70 points in 75 games this past season, and at such a young age, the sky is the limit for Pastrnak. 

For the complete list of the team’s qualifying offers, check out the official team announcement: