Bruins and Pasta's camp �remain apart' in contract negotiations

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Dorin Canaday
December 29, 2022 (6:45 PM)

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David Pastrnak is on pace for a career-year, and he's still without a contract after this season. Should Bruins fans be worried?

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Pastrnak and his agent J.P. Barry are holding firm, but only to get a deal that feels right to stay in Boston. Which will most likely be in the double digits.

''The good news is that talks haven't broken off.''

'I've been in regular discussions with Don about our respective positions for a few months,' Barry told The Athletic Wednesday. 'We remain apart at this juncture. We will continue to negotiate.' �'

It was surprising when a deal wasn't completed before the regular season began and even more now, as we jump into the New Year.

The ultimate deadline for GM Don Sweeney and the Bruins is June 30th, 2023, the final day before NHL Free Agency, and LeBrun noted it could go down to the wire.

''Still, I'm sure both sides would appreciate some closure before then. That is why I believe they will keep taking swings at this. Pasta doesn't want to go anywhere, so my prediction is he does re-sign. But it might take some Evgeni Malkin-like, 11th-hour drama around June 30 or July 1.''

Pasta is enjoying yet another incredible season in Boston and is upping his value with every game.

The 26-year-old has 24 goals and 24 assists in 35 games this season, and is on pace for 112 points (56G, 56A). His previous career-high was in 2019-20 with 95 (48G, 47A).

At this point, hand Pasta a blank cheque for eight years and give him what he wants.

SOURCE: Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic, The latest rumblings on NHL's pending UFA class, from Pastrnak to Kane/Toews to O'Reilly and more