Before he can build on last season's breakout campaign, Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak is in need of a new contract.
Pastrnak exploded for 70 points in 75 games in 2016-17 as his entry-level contract reached its expiration date, and the 21-year-old restricted free agent is set to cash in. However, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney revealed, despite ongoing negotiations with Pastrnak's representatives, there's no timetable as to when a new deal might be struck.
In early June, Sweeney said the two sides are moving in the right direction on a long-term deal.
Related: Projecting David Pastrnak's next contract
Pastrnak ranked second on the Bruins in goals (34) and points, trailing all-star Brad Marchand in both categories. Marchand inked an eight-year deal last offseason that nets him $6.125 million annually - the third-highest sum among Bruins skaters, behind Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
Because of these team-friendly contracts, Pastrnak's value could take a hit, as a young player earning more than core veteran teammates isn't commonplace in the NHL. Still, Pastrnak built quite a case for himself, trailing only Leon Draisaitl - who is set to break the bank in Edmonton - in production among all pending RFA's last season.
Per CapFriendly, the Bruins have nearly $13 million in cap space to bang out a deal with Pastrnak before the puck drops in October.
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