Sweeney: Talks With Pastrnak's Agents 'Went Well'

MONTREAL -Bruins general manager Don Sweeney met with reporters at Bell Centre on Friday afternoon to recap the 2022 NHL Draft and provide the latest on contract negotiations with David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, and David Krejci. Here are some of the highlights:

Prepping for Pasta

Earlier this week, Bruins president Cam Neely said that Sweeney was set to meet with Pastrnak's representatives as the two sides begin to discuss the framework of a contract extension for the 26-year-old winger.
On Friday afternoon, Sweeney said that the meeting did in fact occur in Montreal and that his discussions with agents J.P. Barry and Ales Volek "went well."
"They're going to talk to David and attack it as soon as we can," said Sweeney. "They know the position the organization is in and how aggressive we'd like to be. David has a say in that, obviously, so you hope the two things align and you move forward in an aggressive manner. You're right, he's a big part of the Boston Bruins."
Sweeney said that specific terms - regarding both length and financials - have yet to be addressed between the camps.
"We haven't exchanged numbers, we're just talking and being aggressive and saying we'd like David to be a lifelong Bruin," said Sweeney. "Strongly indicated to him we'd like him to be a lifelong Bruin."
The B's GM added that it's been a thrill to watch Pastrnak develop - both on and off the ice - since the Czech native was selected by Boston in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft.
"He's been a really good player, he continues to be a really good player," said Sweeney. "He's a superstar in the league and he's a superstar around the world. We're fortunate to have him."
"He had character from Day 1 with everyone, a vibrant personality that hasn't changed. He's just a special individual, to tell you the honest truth."

Call Coming on The Captain

When it comes to Bergeron's future, Sweeney said nothing has changed since he last spoke with the media on Wednesday morning. The 18-year veteran is nearing a decision, but there has not yet been a definitive declaration from the Boston captain.
"No [changes], not from the other day," said Sweeney. "As I said, he's going through rehab, he's back training. He indicated in a positive manner - Patrice should be the one to make that statement if he decides to. He's made real good indications to us that he's trying to do it in the right manner, but until he makes a decision, we'll wait."
Sweeney did say that it's possible for a resolution to be in place by the opening of free agency on Wednesday afternoon.
"Yeah, we could have a final decision by Wednesday," said Sweeney. "Again, that's Patrice…he's the only one who is going to make that statement."

Krejci Still Contemplating

Krejci, meanwhile, could also be nearing a decision when it comes to returning to the NHL after a year of playing in front of his family in his native Czechia.
"David is a little more of a wait and see where communication lies, where Patrice is just a cut and dry decision. Won't be an issue with the contract I believe," said Sweeney. "Krech is just deciding with his family what's best for him, but there's been a positive indication. It just hasn't gotten to the point where I'm comfortable to say if it's going to happen."

Assistants Staying Put

In regards to the B's coaching staff, Sweeney said that the three remaining assistants from Bruce Cassidy's tenure that are under contract are expected to return with new bench boss Jim Montgomery. Per Sweeney, Joe Sacco, Chris Kelly, and Bob Essensa have all had positive meetings with Montgomery.
"Monty has had really good discussions with all three of them and I think those are in a really good place," said Sweeney. "Those indications are that they'll be a part of our staff and Monty is excited about it…he's excited to work with them, and they are as well. Kells and Joe and Bob have all indicated that their discussions have gone well."
Sweeney went on to say that Montgomery is also interviewing candidates to replace assistant Kevin Dean in overseeing the defensemen.
"Monty has been doing a lot of work connecting with the players individually," said Sweeney. "Several conversations there, but he's interviewing currently some coaches that are obviously tilted towards Kevin Dean departing. He's doing a good job checking off the boxes that I think are important for him and what he is going to be comfortable with.
"I'll follow up when I get back on the individuals he's already gone through, at least one, if not two, rounds with. And hopefully we will have a decision shortly that we will be adding to our staff."

Marchand on the Mend

Sweeney said he has no long-term concerns regarding the health of Brad Marchand, who underwent double hip surgery earlier this offseason. In fact, Sweeney said, he expects the winger to rebound quite strongly from the procedure.
"We know what he had, where he's going," said Sweeney. "How well he's feeling, having done both sides - the stuff he's dealt with to play every night, I think mentally he's going to be in a much better place. Physically, they'll allow the time for it to heal and he'll be fine.
"We won't have any resurfacing or things like that creep into long-term care. He had several procedures done. It's been done for a lot of guys, and in Brad's mind, he wanted to do both at the same time. I don't think they needed to be done, they could have staggered it - but in his mind, he's like just let me get this over with and be one hundred percent on the inside.
"We'll allow all the necessary time for him to be 100 percent."
Sweeney was not yet sure if the club will utilize long-term injured reserve for Marchand or any other of the B's that are expected to miss time early in the 2022-23 season, including blue liners Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk.
"It depends on what we do in the next couple of days, if we add [in free agency]," said Sweeney. "It's not ideal, but it exists for us because we've got significant money [injured], but we do have to prepare for them coming back."