The Boston Bruins will open training camp on Thursday to officially kick off their 2017-18 campaign, but it appears they’ll be forced to do so without star winger David Pastrnak.
As Pastrnak’s agent J.P. Barry continues to negotiate with the Bruins regarding a new deal for the 21-year-old restricted free agent, Pastrnak is waiting for a resolution in the Czech Republic, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
That being the case, it seems the delayed negotiations are almost certain to affect Pastrnak’s participation in training camp, regardless of whether the two sides reach an agreement before Thursday.
Pastrnak is coming off a breakout campaign that saw him amass a career-high 34 goals and 70 points for Boston, both sums ranking as the second-most among all Bruins skaters. His 34 goals left him tied for 10th league-wide, level with Patrick Kane and Anders Lee.
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said Friday that there is “no timetable” for a deal to get done. In mid-August, it was reported that Pastrnak’s camp was waiting on fellow restricted free agent Leon Draisaitl to sign his own new deal.
The Edmonton Oilers pivot did indeed sign, netting a hefty eight-year, $68-million contract and potentially raising the bar for Pastrnak’s future earnings.
However, talks between Barry and Boston’s management have progressed recently, according to Johnston, providing some hope for the Bruins faithful.
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