Ty Anderson joins Phil Perry on Early Edition to discuss the report that David Pastrnak does not want to play for a team run by Don Sweeney
Patrice Bergeron's future with the Boston Bruins is the biggest storyline surrounding the team as the 2022 NHL offseason ramps up, but David Pastrnak's future with the franchise isn't far behind in importance.
Pastrnak has one more season left on his contract, making him eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.
There have been some trade rumors/speculation involving Pastrnak of late.
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The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa communicated with a source close to Pastrnak who said, "88 had seen how Don has treated his two best friends. No chance he comes back with Sweens as GM.”
Pastrnak's agent, J.P. Barry, reacted to The Athletic's report with a comment to Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald.
The two sides are able to negotiate a contract extension when the new league year begins July 13, and the Bruins must do everything possible to sign Pastrnak to a long-term deal.
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It's incredibly difficult to find goal scorers of Pastrnak's caliber, and given Boston's recent draft history, it might take a very long time for this franchise to develop a similar player. Pastrnak has scored the sixth-most goals in the league since the start of the 2019-20 season. He led the Bruins with 40 goals in 2021-22 despite missing 10 games.
The Bruins might have to pay Pastrnak between $9 million and $11 million per season on his next contract. That's been the going rate for young players with his superstar-level of offensive talent. If the B's want any hope of contending over the next five years, Pastrnak must be re-signed.