As the Boston Bruins begin the second half of the season, they are sporting the league’s best record at 34-5-4, good enough for 72 points. However, as good as they have played, there could be some room for improvement to the roster ahead of the March 3 trade deadline.
With the second taking the turn for the second half and the march to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s time to break out another Bruins Mailbag for The Hockey Writers. Let’s get going.
What Does David Pastrnak’s Next AAV Look Like?
Michael H.
Things are reported to be moving along with David Pastrnak with the Bruins for an extension and I do believe in the end a deal gets done, but if I’m Pastrnak, I’m in no rush to take a team-friendly deal. He wants what his value is nobody blames him.
In the end, I think he gets an eight-year,$92 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million. If general manager (GM) Don Sweeney can get an AAV of $11 million, it would be great, but this is one time that you pay the player his worth and not risk losing him, similar to the Calgary Flames losing Johnny Gaudreau last summer.
Did The Bruins Overpay on Zacha’s Extension?
Carrie P.
It took Sweeney some time, but he finally landed the player that he tried to get at the past couple of trade deadlines in Pavel Zacha. A restricted free agent (RFA) when he was acquired, he agreed to a $3.5 million one-year deal. He has been as good as the Bruins hoped he would be through the first half of the season.
He agreed to a four-year, $19 million extension following the 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 14 with a $4.75 million AAV. To me, it seems like a bit of an overpay for the player. Don’t get me wrong, he has been a nice addition and is very valuable by being able to play all three forward positions, but a $4 million AAV to me would have been good enough.
When Does Fabian Lysell Make His NHL Debut in Boston?
Brendan G.
If I’m the Bruins, I’m in no rush to bring Fabian Lysell up to the NHL. He’s had a very good first season with the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League (AHL) and is adjusting just fine to the pro game. If the opportunity comes up to have come to Boston, then do it, but there just isn’t a need right now.
As the season goes along and if the Bruins can maintain their…
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