Pastrnak Expects Extension to Get Done With Bruins

In Boston, all eyes are on the Bruin’s negotiations with forward David Pastrnak. How the team fairs this coming season could play a major role in his decision to stick around and there is chatter that he’s not quite ready to sign, unsure of what the long-term vision for the franchise is. Losing Pastrnak would be a huge blow and if it is determined that he’s not keen on staying, and should the Bruins struggle out of the gate, there will be trade speculation that follows him until a deal is finalized or an extension worked out.

Joe Haggerty of Boston Hockey Now tweeted an update on the status of negotiations between the Bruins and Pastrnak and shared some potentially positive news. The player is looking to sign a new deal and when Pastrnak was asked whether he thinks he’ll extend, he responded “Of course. We love it here. This is our home. This is where I became a man. I’ve spent unbelievable years here with Rebecca and we are really happy. But my focus moving forward is to be ready for Game 1.”

This doesn’t mean a deal is close or that he’ll take the first offer that comes his way, but it does sound like he’s willing to play ball and has no desire to leave, if he doesn’t have to.

There is some debate online about what it will take to get a Pastrnak deal done. He could be worth double digits ($10 million or more) per season on a long-term deal but there’s also a chance he takes around $9 million to help the Bruins out salary cap-wise.

For now, getting a deal finalized soon and the money that will come with it isn’t as big an issue as simply getting this Bruins team to the playoffs and competing. He notes his focus is on making sure this team isn’t going to struggle considering the injuries that will hamper their start and some changes that many believe have made the team less dangerous than in year’s past. Without Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy in the lineup to start the year, he’ll be relied upon for heavy production. Should he come through, that will only add leverage to his negotiating power.

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