While showing off at the National Hockey League skill show, David Pastrnak didn’t have time to think about his next contract. Negotiations for the Boston Bruins star will come in due course.
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The Czech announced on Friday that he plans to chat a bit with his agent JP Barry in Florida during All-Star weekend, but that he has better things to do at the moment than deal with contract talks. Pastrnak’s six-year, $40 million contract expires at the end of this campaign and he becomes a free agent.
“No rush. In the middle of the season, you focus on hockey. You don’t really think about your contract situation,” he explained in a press conference, according to website NHL.com. It’s in the hands of my agent, staff, and [du directeur général, Don Sweeney]. Honestly, all I think about is hockey and the game, so that’s all I do.”
Engine oil
It has to be said that the Bruins are having a dream season and they don’t expect Pastrnak to look anywhere else. According to head coach Jim Montgomery, who also attended the All-Star Game, the 26-year-old forward is “on course for success.”
“He’s an extremely competitive player who loves hockey and is always improving,” said the Montreal native. Everyone on the team says he’s better than three years ago and last year he was better than three years ago.
Boston has won 39 of its 51 meetings so far and could set an all-time overall record if the team can keep up the pace.
Pastrnak is also heading for career highlights. At the break he had 38 goals and 72 points in 51 games.
If Brad Marchand has hinted in recent days that the Bruins are prospering because their members accept lower salaries, his linemate could expect to make more than $6.7 million a season. After all, he has averaged more than a point per game since he was last signed.