Sweeney says contract talks with David Pastrnak are 'status quo'

With training camp one week away, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney on Thursday described the contracts talks with forward David Pastrnak as “status quo.”

“J.P. [Barry] and I continue to talk and we’ll continue to talk and find a deal at some point and time," Sweeney said of the discussions with Pastrnak’s agent. "There’s no timetable on it and nothing really to expand on, other than the nature of the talks have been ongoing.”

Originally, the Bruins offered the 21-year-old forward $6 million per season for either six or seven years, which team president Cam Neely said was a fair starting point given the market for similar players.

The sides are now working on an eight-year deal. It’s likely Pastrnak is seeking $8.5 million per season, similar to what the Edmonton Oilers gave 21-year-old forward Leon Draisaitl. It could land on an AAV of $8 million per season for eight years.

Even though he said there’s no timetable, Sweeney admitted he would like Pastrnak to begin camp on time with the team.

“Nobody really hides from the fact and I don’t think it’s productive on either side,” Sweeney said. “In a perfect world the answer would be ‘yes.’ Yes, on all fronts.”