David Pastrnak faces murky future with the Boston Bruins

David Pastrňák and the Boston Bruins have been a perfect match for years now, but could a separation be on the cards next year?

The Boston Bruins have been one of the league’s most competitive teams in recent memory, and one of the key reasons for that has been Czech winger David Pastrňák and his impressive penchant for scoring goals.

In 510 career appearances with the Bruins, Pastrňák has scored 240 goals and has 504 total points – primarily playing on the deadly top line alongside Brad Marchand and perennial Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron.

The trio helped guide the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2019, where they fell just short to the St. Louis Blues – losing in a seven-game series. Despite Bergeron’s advanced age, the three will reunite for another season in Boston, alongside the returning David Krejčí, in search of another shot at the cup.

However, recent reports out of Czechia suggests that the 2022-23 season could potentially be the last we see of Pastrňák in a Bruins jersey.

David Pastrňák to leave the Boston Bruins?

Via iSport.cz, Pastrňák has spoken about finally feeling healthy ahead of the new season, where he has been able to work on getting ready for the new campaign without any hindrance.

However, another particular quote has caught the eye of many as it could allude to a willingness to leave the Boston Bruins if the team fails to win the cup this year.

“Now I’m going into my ninth season and I haven’t won anything yet. Time flies and I regret it every year. On the other hand, I’m healthy and I’m not worried about preparing for the new season, which I haven’t done well in the last three years.” – Rough translation on iSport.cz

The 26-year-old, who was originally selected in the first round (25th overall) of the 2014 Draft, spoke of his regret at having no won anything ahead of his ninth season with the Bruins.

This quote could be interpreted in different ways. It could be a signal to the Bruins that Pastrňák may be tired of missing out on the cup each year, or it could be a sign that the winger is desperate to give Bruins fans more success.

The Bruins are in an interesting position. After this season, they have nine unrestricted free agents to make decisions on, and to date they have progressed beyond the second round of the playoffs just once since winning the cup back in 2013 – a surprising situation for a team that has performed so well during the regular season.

The Bruins’ core is aging, with Bergeron and Krejčí already 37 and 36 respectively, Marchand is 34 and a number of players on offense are already over 30, and some tough decisions may be on the horizon for the team.

For Pastrňák, if the Bruins do not at least come close to winning the cup this season — having been knocked out of the first round just a few months ago — it could be a sign that things are winding down in Boston.

This could have a lasting impact on the team, with Krejčí potentially heading back home and Pastrňák considering whether or not the team has enough left to keep competing – or whether the chance to win on another team may be more appealing.

There’s every chance that he signs a new contract with the team, believing that moves can be made in the short-term that secure the team’s long-term future, but as the core ages there will always be that question.

If the team can continue to perform, just as they did with 107 points in the regular season in 2021-22, then Bruins fans may be able to breathe a sigh of relief and see him extend beyond this season.