(Credit: Associated Press, 2022)
It’s no surprise to Boston fans that fan favorite David Pastrnak is having an unbelievable season. Last year, he scored 40 goals and had a total of 77 points. As he is entering the last year of his contract, he has upped his game even more. As unbelievable as it is, it’s completely true.
At the rate he is going, he is on pace to score over 50 goals and 100 points. The Bruins’ success at moving the puck this year has certainly contributed. It helps us understand as to why he is on fire as of late. He has mentioned in the past that he wants to remain a Bruin. However, if the Bruins do not play their cards right, they are at a huge risk of losing a generational player.
David Pastrnak is currently on a 4-game scoring streak, as well as a 11-game point streak. He is tied for 3rd in goals and points in the NHL. He has been a focal point to the Bruins this season and the heart of the second line.
With David Krejci back on the roster this season, he has been a primary playmaker for his wingers. Krejci isn’t necessarily the player you first think of when it comes to scoring. Yet, he is certainly the one you think of that can get his teammates there. In this case, he has been the guy to set up Pastrnak on several occasions for a shot on net.
David Pastrnak has set up shop on the left side of the goal near the dot. This is a spot that is typically known as Alex Ovechkin’s office. Even though Ovechkin is still doing well for himself, Pastrnak has certainly taken some notes on his game. He’s even begum using this to his own ability. Pastrnak has 24 goals on the season, many coming from that left side.
Pastrnak means the world to the city of Boston. In a sports town that has recently failed to hold onto fan favorites, the Bruins have been the exception. Boston brought back two of their longest tenured players for another season this year in Patrice Bergeron and Krejci.
Both of them provide structure to the top two lines. They do this with a combination of scoring, playmaking, and defense. However, with both player’s getting older, there is no telling whether they will be back for another. Seeing as how Krejci had already retired from the NHL in the 2021-22 season (and then came back to the Bruins on a one year deal this season), there are many doubts that he will be back next year. The same doubts are present for Bergeron.
With the possibility of those two being gone by next season, it is crucial that the Bruins build around their newest franchise players. Pastrnak is currently their most efficient goal scorer. They need to do everything they can to make sure they extend him. This can be a daunting task, but with his eagerness to return the Bruins, they should be able to get it done.
A restructured contract would be the best option for the Bruins. If the Bruins want to keep their fanbase happy, they should be willing to pay Pastrnak what he wants. Assuming of course it is fair market value.
A Boston sports team that is in danger of losing its structure needs to open their checkbooks. Especially if they want to keep their returning players and fans (the ones that make them all this money) satisfied.
If the Bruins want to keep one of their star players in the great city of Boston, they are going to have to hand him a blank check. Many fans would be distraught if they saw Pastrnak leave in free agency. With the possible departures of Bergeron and Krejci, it would be wise of them to start building around their other generational talents. Guys like Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy, and especially Pastrnak.
Pastrnak has been a heatseeker this season, and the Bruins to make sure they lock him down for years to come. Especially if they want to remain a competitive playoff caliber team for the near future.
