The Boston Bruins have a major decision to make with David Pastrnak this offseason. At this juncture, their primary objective is to get the star forward signed to an extension, and that is entirely understandable. However, if he is not open to signing a new contract with the Bruins, they will be forced to move him. They simply cannot lose a player of that caliber for nothing through free agency in 2023.
Pastrnak signing an extension is unfortunately not a slam dunk, either. Fluto Shinzawa recently reported that a source close to Pastrnak texted The Athletic saying that the winger wouldn’t sign a new contract with the Bruins if Don Sweeney remained with the team (from “A David Pastrnak trade and full rebuild loom as a possible next step for Bruins,” The Athletic, 6/7/22). That has since been denied by his agent, but there’s no question that it has made things more interesting heading into the summer.
Alas, if Pastrnak and the Bruins do not come to terms on an extension, a trade will have to be considered. If this scenario comes to fruition, these three teams could be potential landing spots for the 2014 first-round pick.
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings seem like a team who would target Pastrnak if he’s officially made available. They already are linked to Chicago Blackhawks sniper Alex DeBrincat, and he plays a very similar game to Pastrnak. Furthermore, after the successful 2021-22 season that the Kings had, they are in a position where they should be adding to their roster. Acquiring a superstar winger like him could be exactly what helps them become potential contenders again.
Although the Kings have officially moved past their rebuild, there are still some areas that they need to improve. They have some solid right-wingers on their roster, but none of them stand out as being first-liners. Pastrnak’s elite goal-scoring ability makes him just that, so the Kings would be extremely wise to pursue the 26-year-old forward. With that, he has the kind of big personality that could help him thrive in Los Angeles.