NHL trade rumors are making the rounds that this could be the last year David Pastrnak plays for the Boston Bruins.
Pastrnak will be a unrestricted free agent when this season ends and this rumor could be squashed if he signs a contract extension before the NHL season starts.
But, if not…
With Patrice Bergeron likely playing his last year and Brad Marchand having hip issues, the Bruins are likely looking at going into a rebuild/retool mode.
The Athletic released its top 50 prospect ranking and no Boston Bruins players made the list.
Does Pastrnak want to be part of a retooling Bruins team?
3 Teams that could target David Pastrnak next season
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are looking to add an elite scorer. They have missed out on Nazem Kadri, Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk.
The Isles fan base is getting impatient and if David Pastrnak does not re-sign with the Bruins, GM Lou Lamoriello will be all over Pastrnak next offseason.
Washington Capitals
Will Nicklas Backstrom likely out for the year and who knows if he will come back, the Washington Capitals would love to add Pastrnak to the team next offseason.
They have no intention of rebuilding and if David Pastrnak thinks the Caps are still a Stanley Cup contending team, he could sign with them next year.
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley desperately wants to win a Stanley Cup for the city of Vegas and he will do anything to make salary work.
If Pastrnak is available next summer, look for the Golden Knights to be all in on the Bruins forward.
If Robin Lehner’s career is over, the extra available salary cap space will help in the pursuit of Pasta next offseason.