Bruins’ GM Don Sweeney could also be going into Thursday’s draft with no first spherical choose, however he was juggling some fairly vital issues within the Montreal air.
In his pre-draft assembly with studies on the Queen Elizabeth lodge on Wednesday, Sweeney and staff president Cam Neely mentioned the fates of captain Patrice Bergeron, famous person David Pastrnak and one-time (perhaps future) foundational piece David Krejci.
Let’s begin with soon-to-be 37-year-old Bergeron. It’s been recognized for a few weeks that the captain and reigning Selke Award winner was leaning towards returning, however no pen has reached any paper for a contract extension simply but. There is cheap hope for a Bergeron return, nonetheless.
“My conversations with Patrice have gone well,” stated Sweeney. “His recovery (from elbow surgery) has gone well…we’re excited that he’s considering playing and moving forward with what we think is a positive mindset.”
Neely echoed the identical optimism.
“He went through the elbow procedure for a reason, I think, not just to feel better in the offseason. I’m starting to feel little more confident that he’s leaning in the direction that we want him to lean in,” stated Neely.
So what may very well be the hold-up on getting a deal accomplished? One cause is the truth that, as of the second, the B’s have just a bit greater than $2.3 million obtainable underneath the wage. Sweeney may conceivably get a deal accomplished with an incentive-laden contract, however he would nonetheless want to maneuver cash in an effort to add extra assist. And the GM has been exploring that possibility in probably bringing again an previous buddy.
Krejci left the B’s after the 2020-21 season to return residence to Czechia to play in entrance of family and friends, one thing he lengthy desired to do earlier than his enjoying profession was accomplished. Whether his one season for Olomouc HC fulfilled that want stays to be seen, however Sweeney has saved a line of communication open with the 36-year-old centerman.
“I’ve been in touch with David and his (representatives)…(he) spent a lot of time with his family deciding what he’d like to do,” stated Sweeney. “The conversations have gone well. It’s just a matter of when David decides, ultimately, and if we’re going to be the place that he chooses.”
Like Bergeron, Krejci can be a free agent on July 13 and free to signal with any NHL staff. And a minimum of from a monetary standpoint, there are groups with way more cap area than the B’s who may extra simply match a participant of Krejci’s caliber into the wage construction. The B’s must hope that Krejci’s emotional ties to Boston can be sufficient to bridge any monetary hole.
One subject that gained’t be hindered by the B’s present wage cap woes for the 2022-23 season is a doable extension for Pastrnak. The star proper wing is underneath contract for this upcoming at a team-friendly charge of $6.666 million however that should go up significantly. A brand new deal would most probably should be within the neighborhood of Charlie McAvoys’ deal of eight years for $9.5 million, which is able to kick on this upcoming season. Sweeney is predicted to take a seat down with Pastrnak’s agent J.P. Barry whereas the hockey world has convened in Montreal. If it’s decided Pastrnak doesn’t need to signal a long-term extension, then the B’s must discover commerce choices, which might speed up any rebuild/retool plans.
“I believe Don’s meeting with his agent here in in Montreal. I feel very positive about it,” stated Neely.
Jake DeBrusk likes being a Bruin once more
Sweeney additionally addressed Jake DeBrusk rescinding his year-long commerce request. He’s happy on the flip of occasions, however gave no ensures that DeBrusk, who signed a two-year extension price $4 million a season on the commerce deadline, wouldn’t nonetheless be moved.
“We’re very happy that Jake has turned a corner in how he feels about the Boston Bruins and wants to be with us. He had a hell of a second part of the year,” stated Sweeney. “He deserves a lot of credit for the production he put forth. He’s looking forward to being back. If (there are) opportunities to improve the team, and Jake knows that as well, I’ll have to continue to look at it. But we’re happy that he’s in a good place.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com