David Pastrnak’s agent JP Barry on Tuesday threw some chilly water on a report that said that the Bruins’ star winger might want out of Boston.
On Monday, The Athletic quoted an unnamed supply near Pastrnak – set to develop into an unrestricted free agent in the summertime of 2023 – that claimed the sniper had main points with GM Don Sweeney for not making a stronger effort to maintain his two buddies David Krejci, who returned to Czechia to play in entrance of household and buddies, and Torey Krug, who signed a profitable take care of the St. Louis Blues after the 2019-20 season.
“88 had seen how Don has treated his two best friends,” the supply advised the Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa. “No chance he comes back with Sweens as GM.”
But when contacted by the Herald concerning the story, Barry wrote in an electronic mail, “I spoke with Don and David this am and we don’t know the place this emanated from.
“We both have a strong relationship with Don and the plan hasn’t changed one bit. We will sit down in July and begin extension negotiations.”
So what to make of all of it? While some Bruins’ followers may even see that quote from Barry and breathe a sigh of reduction, there are loads of issues to think about, apart from the truth that the web site and author who reported the unique web site are each respected.
Just as a result of they’re going to sit down in July to speak about an extension, it doesn’t imply a deal goes to occur. It definitely didn’t in 2015 when discussions have been being held for an extension for Dougie Hamilton — then an RFA and, coincidentally, additionally a Barry shopper – till Sweeney obtained the sense the defenseman actually didn’t need to be part of the Bruins and felt he had little alternative however to commerce him to Calgary for draft picks simply a few hours previous to the draft in Sunrise, Florida.
There’s additionally the Bruins’ present scenario. Patrice Bergeron might retire. Their high scorer, Brad Marchand, and No. 1 defenseman, Charlie McAvoy, is probably not prepared till after Thanksgiving. Some form of rebuild must occur, whether or not it’s a smooth retool or a significant reconstruction. If it’s the latter, then Sweeney may need to put Pastrnak in play. He is the chip that may yield the most effective return, and the B’s want loads of items to get again among the many true elites.
On the opposite hand, the 26-year-old Pastrnak is a participant round which groups might be constructed. He is probably not the most effective 200-foot participant like a Bergeron, however the B’s are likely to rise and fall with him. When Pastrnak obtained off to a gradual begin final 12 months, so did the Bruins. When he missed three weeks in April, the B’s – one of many hottest groups within the NHL within the second half – went 3-5. He’s a risk to attain 50 yearly and has an effervescent persona besides. Upper administration might be able to face up to the general public relationship hit they’re receiving for firing coach Bruce Cassidy, however shifting Pastrnak would create a tsunami of fan backlash, no matter whether or not the reasoning was sound or not.
Also, Sweeney has an honest report of signing the gamers he’s recognized as core gamers, Krug and Hamilton however. He inked Pastrnak and Marchand to their team-friendly offers , whereas additionally lately signing Taylor Hall and Hampus Lindholm within the final calendar 12 months. But should you’re looking for a comparable, look no additional than the McAvoy deal that’s about to kick in, the max eight years for $9.5 million a season.
If Pastrnak indicators right here, the vibe proper now could be that it received’t be for a hometown low cost this time round.
Source: www.bostonherald.com