Yesterday the Boston Bruins announced the resigning of Defenseman Matt Bartkowski on a 1-year contract, and the signing of 2014 1st round draft pick David Pastrnak to an entry level contract.
The contract for Bartkowski means the Bruins avoid the July 30th arbitration date.
The 26 year old Pittsburg native’s deal is worth a cap figure of $1,250,000, for the upcoming season.
It seems as if Batkowski’s time with the Bruins is coming to an end. As the 1-year deal is perhaps a gateway to a possible trade during the regular season, in which Boston will look to fill a few gaps left by key departures.
There are many who value what the Defenseman brings to the Bruins, and they should. He does have the tendency to make various defensive errors, but Bartkowski has proven to be a very good puck mover. However, with a tight salary cap, and key areas waiting to be filled, the use of a puck mover like Bartkowski isn’t a necessity, especially when you have the likes of Torey Krug improving every day.
But as of now, Bartkowski is still a Bruin, and shall continue to be a useful asset until the day comes when the Black and Gold no longer find the use for him.
On a more positive note, the Bruins future is still looking as bright as ever. The 18 year old Czech, David Pastrnak has been one of the stand out players for the Bruins, during the their annual development camp. General Manger, Peter Chiarelli has even hinted at the possibility of Pastrnak getting NHL game time this season. Obviously he’s probably a long way off, but for that thought to already be in the minds of the Bruins front office, it must mean Pastrnak has some serious potential.
Formally of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, the young right-winger now has the chance to continue to impress, as he’ll join the main group of guys for the September training camp.
Speed, skill and ability. That is what David Pastrnak brings to the table. Boston’s lack of top line speed has been an issue for a good number of years, and are in need of someone who has the hockey sense to use speed effectively.
A possible star in the making? Who knows. But there’s no doubt Pastrnak is in the organization’s future plans.
