On the Boston Bruins and David Pastrnak …
Ty Anderson of WEEI: Restricted free agent David Pastrnak and the Boston Bruins don’t appear to be any closer on a new deal.
“I’d say we’re at the same point you asked me the last time,” Bruins GM Don Sweeney said when asked for an update on the negotiations. “We’re in a holding pattern.”
The Bruins could be looking to get Pastrnak signed to a long-term deal at around $6 million a season, with Pastrnak possibly looking for in the $7 million range.
“I have not made much progress as what I would have liked,” admitted Sweeney, who has over $10 million in cap space remaining with Pastrnak still unsigned. “But we have plenty of time and the opportunity to continue to talk and we will find a landing spot.”
James O’Brien of Pro Hockey Talk: wonders if a bridge deal between the Bruins and Pastrnak would be easier for both sides to get done. The Bruins may be smart to get him signed to a long-term deal if they can get him at a reasonable number though.
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: A team could attempt to sign David Pastrnak to an offer sheet, but those rarely happen as GMs are afraid of the potential retaliation that could occur.
Pastrnak is coming off his entry-level deal, doesn’t have arbitration rights and not much leverage. His only options are to sit or sign a KHL deal.
On the Bruins and their goaltending …
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: There had been some thought that the Bruins could look to add a backup goalie to Tuukka Rask this offseason, but it’s looking like they will head to camp with Anton Khudobin penciled in as the leading candidate. Malcolm Subban and Zane McIntyre will be challenging Khudobin.
“Our goaltending right now is where we’re at,” said Sweeney. “You never say never, but . . . ”