Latest on Extension Talks Between David Pastrnak and Bruins

As per Pierre LeBrun, the Boston Bruins and David Pastrnak continue to talk and the NHL insider notes, “…my read is that there’s still some sizeable gaps in position. This could be a grind of a negotiation like we saw with [Filip] Forsberg/Preds, which went to the wire. In each case, the player wants to stay put, but what’s fair $$$..”

That doesn’t sound good, but it isn’t time to panic just yet. With rumblings the Bruins are willing to make Pastrnak the highest-paid player in franchise history and they are prepared to do whatever it takes to get him locked up, it still seems feasible to believe he will sign an extension. LeBrun also adds, “Obviously that can change with one phone call, but that’s the feeling I get right now.”

Dialogue continues between Pastrnak camp and the B's. But my read is that there's still some sizeable gaps in position. This could be a grind of a negotiation like we saw with Forsberg/Preds, which went to the wire. In each case, player wants to stay put, but what's fair $$$..

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 28, 2022

Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney was asked this past week where things are at with the pending UFA who is tearing up the NHL right now. He said simply, “We’re not there.” He added, “Communication has been good. Haven’t found an endpoint yet.” Pastrnak is second in the NHL in points with 17 and has eight points in the last four games. Clearly, the Bruins should be comfortable investing in the player but the longer this situation drags out and the better Pastrnak performs as the Bruins get to full health with their roster, to more the price of his contract will rise.

Pastrnak has always maintained that he wants to stay in Boston, but reports are that he also wants to ensure that by signing with the team long-term, he’s not signing up to play on a club that won’t be competitive as some of the older stars retire or walk away from the game. The good news is, the Bruins are off to a strong start and that will help with negotiations.

When asked about how things are going in Boston, he responded, “I think we play together…that’s the biggest thing. Whoever was in the lineup was going the whole game…we’re really happy about where we’re at now, but we’re obviously going to keep working on our game.”

That the Bruins are winning has to be helping the organization convince the forward to stick around long-term.

Next: Bruins Could Be Open to Nick Foligno, Mike Reilly Trades