David Pastrnak signed his last extension in 2017 with the Boston Bruins on September 14. So it is not unlike Pastrnak to wait out his extension talks and take his time with negotiations. This time, the team’s top goal scorer is keeping the Bruins in a bit of limbo as he enters the last season of his six-year, $40 million deal. Is this just typical Pastrnak, or should the organization be concerned? The answer might be within the events of the last few months.
The Havirov, Czechia native, has said in the past that money isn’t the determining factor for him. Considering that the winger has made upwards of $42 million in total salary over his eight seasons, that statement probably has some merit. By all accounts, Pastrnak loves playing in Boston and has developed great friendships. But as the Bruins’ core players near the end of their careers, the roster will see some significant changes, and Pastrnak might want to wait to see what those changes are.
There have been rumors that Pastrnak is upset with general manager Don Sweeney for the treatment of some of his friends on the team, including Torey Krug, who the Bruins let walk in free agency, and Zdeno Chara, who was offered a reduced role before leaving Boston, and fellow Czech David Krejci, who has since re-signed with Boston after spending a season playing in Czechia. Back in June, a text to the Athletic from a source close to Pastrnak mentioned that the forward would not re-sign with Boston if Sweeney remained general manager. Pastrnak’s agent dismissed that claim saying that Pastrnak has a good relationship with Sweeney, who was given an extension to stay with the team.
Sweeney told reporters on July 13 that the team would be “aggressive” in contract talks with Pastrnak. At that point, it seemed that if money weren’t a huge factor, the team would be able to sign Pastrnak this off-season. However, negotiations did not generate any progress, and now, in late August, extension discussions seem to be at a standstill.
But why? The team wants Pastrnak as a core member going forward, and Pastrnak loves it in Boston. Is there cause for concern that the two-time 40-goal scorer might not want to stay in Boston? The signs might be clear that Pastrnak has some hesitation over the team’s direction. Charlie McAvoy is a top defenseman, Jeremy Swayman is an excellent young goalie, and defenseman Hampus Lindholm is part of the mix as well. But what happens at center after this last run with Patrice Bergeron and Krejci? Fellow Czech center Pavel Zacha joined the Bruins and signed a one-year bridge deal with the Bruins. Was Zacha brought in partly to entice Pastrnak to re-sign?
Pastrnak was recently quoted saying that he is sad the team has not won, but he is not worried about an extension. This coming season, the Bruins should have another Stanley Cup contending roster. But from there, the direction of the team is still unknown. If David Pastrnak sees any type of long rebuild, the Bruins might have to trade the right winger as part of that rebuild. Bruins fans might not be that concerned about the future of Pastrnak, but the team might be in a bind waiting until midseason or beyond to convince Pastrnak to remain in Boston.
