Boston Bruins RFA David Pastrnak Isn’t Playing In KHL, Would Hinder His Career Development
According to multiple reports, Boston Bruins restricted free agent David Pastrnak has offers to play in the KHL this season if he cannot come to an agreement with Boston.
Let’s pump the breaks. There is no literal reason for him to play in the KHL. Even if a deal with Boston falls through, going to Russia to play isn’t going to further his career. In the long run, it could cost him it. Hering this news isn’t surprising.
Agents of players usually resort to this tactic when their clients are trying to land a favorable deal. It is shocking that it took this long for Pastrnak’s to do so. But let’s call this for what it is. A bluff.
Even with the sides still far apart on a potential deal, if nothing is agreed upon, the Bruins will either trade his rights or have him sit out. Sitting out is another move that is not good for the 21-year-old’s career. Could he actually get an offer with an $8 million AAV from Boston? Maybe.
But at the moment, the fact that he and his camp is reportedly still hanging onto that number is a puzzling negotiation tactic. Two weeks ago in Providence Cam Neely stated publically that the $6 million AAV Boston offered was simply a starting point for negotiations.
But after that offer they didn’t hear back from Pastrnak’s camp. His camp, over the last several weeks publically has stated $8 million AAV. Both sides met last week but as of this piece are still not close to a number. One can wonder is Pastrnak’s camp actually understands the concept of negotiations.
If they actually wanted $8 million per, they should have started higher. But if their starting point is $8 million, they need to come down from that. And they have to because that is how you negotiate. Pastrnak’s tagged value in this writers mind is around $7 million per year with a term of deal 5-7 years. If he wants the reported 8-year contract, maybe an AAV of $8 million on the back 3 years or somewhere in-between is in the cards.
On that 8 year deal, the max AAV Boston should consider is $7.25 million per season. That AAV is perceived to be a fair value for the age and caliber of player that Pastrnak is.