Hey, so about that new David Pastrnak contract!

It’s literally never been spoken about before, so obviously Bruins GM Don Sweeney had to field just a barrage of questions about this ongoing mystery. That was sarcasm. Sweeney’s addressed the situation multiple times, in so many words, and continued to do so at Bruins training camp this week.

We here at 985TheSportsHub.com remain confident that a deal will get done with Pastrnak before the start of the regular season, and that they were likely to wait until training camp to finalize it. So any unease and impatience about the situation, while understandable, isn’t totally necessary.

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Still, Sweeney didn’t do much to exactly quiet any lingering concerns about the Pastrnak contract talks. He confirmed that the two sides continue to talk and that their goal is to sign him long-term as soon as possible, and that he’s not sensing any concerns about whether they get the deal done before the season starts. But, ominously, he also left the door open for things to … “change.”

“In a perfect world, as we referenced, to try and be aggressive, to have him sign long-term as a lifelong Bruin, that’s always been our goal,” Sweeney said. “David shed a little light in terms of where he was at personally, and we respected that. I’ve had conversations, and I’m going to continue to have conversations. Ideally, I’d like to get it done at the earliest point possible, and hopefully he feels the exact same way and his camp. So, that’s what our goal is. Outside of that, I’m not going to comment on anything other than that’s ultimately what we’d like to do.”

Asked if he’s confident in finalizing the extension, Sweeney added: “I really don’t expand until a deal is done, because things just change. We recognize that there are factors in play, comp groups and stuff, and just try and grind it out. Ultimately you’ve got to find a common ground, the player has to be happy, and we’re going to try and do that.”

For Bruins fans – specifically the ones who, you know, want them to sign Pastrnak long-term – the hope is that Sweeney is just being vague because he doesn’t want to make any promises before the deal is actually done. It’s understandable that he’d try to exercise restraint while the talks are ongoing. It’s just not going to make anyone any less anxious about the situation.

However, there’s never been any indication that either side wants anything other than to strike a long-term agreement. Pastrnak himself has echoed Sweeney’s sentiment that he wants to stay in Boston long-term.

“Yeah, of course,” Pastrnak said (via NHL.com). “This city is where I got the chance to become the player I am and to become the human being I am. The Boston organization has played an unbelievable part in it. I came here as a kid, and now I’m a man, you know? So, I’m extremely happy. A lot of great memories. And as I said many times, I love it here and it’s an honor to wear the jersey.”

May 6, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) celebrates his power play goal with Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (22) behind him during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Keep checking back here at 985TheSportsHub.com for the latest on the David Pastrnak contract situation, as well as everything going on with the Bruins as they get ready for the 2022-23 season. In the meantime, you can get the latest Bruins takes from 98.5 on the Sports Hub Underground podcast with Ty Anderson and me, and click here for complete Boston Bruins coverage.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at [email protected].