David Pastrnak Set to Become The Highest-Paid Player in NHL History

PUBLICATION

Aaron Itovitch
December 13, 2022 (12:09)

SHARE THIS STORY

If David Pastrnak hits free agency, chances are we see him sign the biggest contract in the NHL's cap-era.

Nathan Mackinnon's extension, with an annual average value of $12.6-million took the throne when he signed it a few months ago, but it appears it won't hold that throne for long.

Per The Athletic, there is a very good chance Pastrnak signs a contract worth more than Mackinnon's this off-season.

You can read their article here

If Pastrnak hits free agency, his closest comparable is Artemi Panarin's contract with the New York Rangers.

Panarin's contract, with an annual average value of $11,642,000 was signed when it consisted of 14.29% of the cap. Adjusted for today, it would already be more, and if rumours that the salary cap will go up to $86.5-million this upcoming season, it would take the comparable to $12.36-million.

Pastrnak, however, will be younger than Panarin when the contract kicks in, and has a better NHL stat-line due to starting his career in the league earlier than Panarin.

If Pastrnak were to stay with his Bruins, an offer of 8 years at $11-million per may not even make the deal happen, per The Athletic

If $88-million over the length of the deal is Pastrnak's base-line, a seven-year free-agent deal would need to be at the minimum $12.57-million per season. It would most likely come over Mackinnon's $12.6.

If he chooses to stay in Boston, it will represent a new era for the team. Gone are the wildly team-friendly deals of Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, as Charlie McAvoy and Pastrnak profit off their talent.

These next steps in Boston will be interesting to watch.