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Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak signs team friendly six-year extension

By Dave Stevenson

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 23: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins waits for a face off against the Ottawa Senators in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on April 23, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 23: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins waits for a face off against the Ottawa Senators in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on April 23, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Bruins gambled by being patient while negotiating with RFA forward David Pastrnak. It paid off, as the two sides have agreed to a team friendly extension. 

Going into training camp, the Boston Bruins are ready to build off of last season’s postseason appearance. However, there was one notably absent figure – restricted free agent forward David Pastrnak. Despite having all offseason to negotiate, the two sides didn’t come to an agreement.

Early on Thursday, it was announced Pastrnak and the Bruins finally agreed to a deal. And it’s a very good one. The deal is for six years and is worth $6.67 million annually.

"Pastrnak established career highs in all categories in 2016-17, tallying 34 goals (second on team, T-10th in NHL) and 36 assists (third on team) for 70 points (second on team) with 34 penalty minutes and a plus-11 rating (fourth on team) in 75 games."

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Give credit to Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. He’s grown a lot over the past two years. In 2015, Sweeney traded then RFA defenseman Dougie Hamilton despite holding all of the leverage. Two years later, he manages to get Pastrnak to sign at a deal that should prove to be a great value to the Bruins.

The Czech forward is coming off a career season in 2016-17. After putting up 53 points in his first 97 regular season games, Pastrnak shattered those numbers last year. He put up 34 goals and 36 assists for 70 points in 75 games. Pastrnak emerged as an impressive power play option, putting up 24 points with the man advantage.

His deal is very similar to the extension Nashville Predators star forward Filip Forsberg signed. Forsberg got $6 million per year for six years last offseason. Pastrnak likely got more because of his outstanding 2016-17 season. Considering what Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers got earlier this offseason (eight years with a $8.5 million cap hit), it’s hard to argue the Bruins didn’t get a very nice deal with Pastrnak.

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Now that Boston has five forwards making at least $6 million (David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and David Backes), they’ll need more value out of their signings from here on out. This extension is a pretty encouraging sign for Sweeney.

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