Camp preview: Pastrnak's contract and other big questions facing the Bruins

There’s a lot to be optimistic about as the Boston Bruins open training camp for the 2017-18 season Thursday at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton.

The biggest question, however, is whether or not restricted free agent David Pastrnak will be on the ice with his teammates when coach Bruce Cassidy officially begins camp. The Bruins and the 21-year-old forward remain in a stalemate as the sides attempt to agree on a long-term deal.

It’s been an ongoing saga. Numerous NHL sources don't believe the sides will come to an agreement before camp begins.

Let’s get something straight right now: Pastrnak will not play in the KHL. Any report is simply a negotiating ploy and the Bruins realize that. I appreciate the gamesmanship, but there’s no way a kid from the Czech Republic, who left home early to play pro hockey in Sweden in order to learn English and prepare for a career in North America, would turn away from the NHL after three seasons out of spite.

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has talked with Pastrnak’s agent, J.P. Barry, on a daily basis and that will continue until an agreement is reached.

Missing even a portion of training camp can have a negative impact on a player’s start to the season. You can work out and skate on your own, but in the absence of your teammate does not properly prepare a player for the season.

As far negotiations, there remains a sizeable gap between the sides. Pastrnak is likely seeking a massive pay raise in the neighborhood of $8- to $8.5-million per season for eight years. The Bruins also want a long-term deal, but the organization’s final landing spot is likely in the range of $7.5 average annual value.

Both Sweeney and team president Cam Neely recently said they hope a deal can be finalized before the start of camp. There’s been radio silence from both sides, which means they’re dug in deep trying to find common ground.

When he does sign it’s likely Pastrnak will play on David Krejci’s right side.

Under-the-radar key to the season: backup goaltender

The most important aspect to the Bruins’ success this season is whether or not the team will have a serviceable backup goalie behind Tuukka Rask. Yeah, that's a bold statement, but it's true: if Rask gets worn out because he's forced to play 65 games again, the Bruins will not make playoffs. Mark it down. Even Bruce Cassidy talked about the importance with me last month.

At least on paper, Anton Khudobin is the leader in the clubhouse as camp begins. Fellow netminders Malcolm Subban and Zane McIntyre are once again in the mix. Even though Khudobin finished the 2016-17 season with a six-game winning streak, he was awful to start the year and finished with a lowly 7-6-1 record, along with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage in 16 games (14 starts).

He needs to play at least 25 games to spell Rask when needed. Rask is at his best when he plays 55 games and that needs to be the case this season. If Khudobin struggles early, the team has to pull the plug and find someone who can handle that role.

Rookies look ready to shake up forward competition

There are a handful of possible open roster spots at the forward position and the competition will be an interesting one as the rookies will attempt to overthrow a few of the veterans. During the recent Prospect Challenge at HarborCenter in Buffalo, N.Y., the Bruins’ rookies played with a determined energy level that should have some of the veterans worried as main camp begins.

A few weeks back, I posted the possible opening-night roster and it’s been an interesting discussion, especially after watching some of the rookies during Prospects Challenge.

Here’s what we had a few weeks ago:

FORWARDS

Frank Vatrano-Krejci-Pastrnak
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Anders Bjork/Danton Heinen
Matt Beleskey-David Backes-Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson
Tim Schaller-Riley Nash-Noel Acciari

DEFENSE

Zdeno Chara-Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug-Charlie McAvoy
Kevan Miller-Adam McQuaid

Barring any preseason injuries, the defensive core will not change. However, it’s going to be a strong internal competition for the forwards.

Here’s what I’m thinking on the eve of training camp for the line combinations with Pastrnak in the mix:

Vatrano-Krejci-Pastrnak
Marchand-Bergeron-Bjork
Jake DeBrusk-Backes-Heinen
Beleskey-Nash-Acciari

Here’s what I’m thinking on the eve of training camp for the line combinations without Pastrnak in the mix:

Vatrano-Krejci-Heinen
Marchand-Bergeron-Bjork
Beleskey-Backes-DeBrusk
Schaller-Nash-Acciari

BRUINS TRAINING CAMP BASICS

What: Bruins 2017 training camp
Where: Warrior Ice Arena (90 Guest St, Boston, MA 02135)
When: Players report Thursday. Practices begin Friday. Training Camp practices are open to the public, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. each day beginning on Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 17. The Fan Fest Tour will be held at Warrior Ice Arena from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Schedule: Here.

Preseason schedule

Monday, September 18 (Quebec City)
Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens (Videotron Centre, 7 p.m.)

Tuesday, September 19 (Boston)
Detroit Red Wings at Bruins (TD Garden, 7 p.m.)

Thursday, September 21 (Boston)
Philadelphia Flyers at Bruins (TD Garden, 7 p.m.)

Saturday, September 23 (Detroit)
Bruins at Detroit Red Wings (Little Caesars Arena, 7 p.m)

Monday, September 25 (Boston)
Chicago Blackhawks at Bruins (TD Garden, 7 p.m.)

Thursday, September 28 (Philadelphia)
Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers (Wells Fargo Center, 7 p.m.)

Saturday, September 30 (Chicago)
Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks (United Center, 8:30 p.m.)