David Pastrnak: 'I love it here, and it's an honor to wear this jersey'
The Bruins and Pastrnak are reportedly working on an extension
The puck will drop on the new NHL season in less than two weeks. The Boston Bruins would like to take care of some business before then. David Pastrnak will be a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the upcoming season. Don Sweeney and Pastrnak’s camp would like to get something soon.
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, things maybe trending in the direction of an extension between both parties.
“Well look, I mean we’re talking about a superstar player in Pastrnak with the Boston Bruins and it’s a process,” Dreger said last Thursday. “We use that word a lot when we’re talking about extensions or negotiations period. Both sides are accessing the market right now.
“I can tell you that contract discussions have heated up since training camp has opened. Relatively quiet over the course of the summer. Not unusual. There were some preliminary discussions at the Draft. Pastrnak understands and is clearly hopeful that something will get done sooner than later, but the Bruins continue to do their due diligence.”
The Bruins were in the same situation prior to last season with defenseman Charlie McAvoy. The 24-year-old was also going to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Sweeney was able to get a good deal done for the team and the player.
Pastrnak will likely earn between $9.5 and $10 million per season with his new extension.
Sweeney has shown in the past to lock up his key players and pay them fair market value. Pastrnak wants to be in Boston, an extension seems pretty simple at this point.
"Yeah, of course," Pastrnak said Sept. 16. "This city is where I got the chance to become the player I am -- become the human being I am. ... I came here as a kid and now I'm a man. I'm extremely happy, lots of great memories. I've said many times, I love it here, and it's an honor to wear this jersey."
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