BOSTON BRUINS STAR PLAYER David Pastrnak SUFFERED A CRITICIAL INJURY LAST MATCH AS A RESULT OF....

Magical Contract Between Sweeney and Marchand and Pastrnak.

Has Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney secured two of the most impressive NHL contract extensions in recent memory?

Sweeney has faced criticism for his challenges navigating the salary cap constraints last offseason and throughout the current season. While some of this criticism may be valid, it reflects the reality of operating under the salary cap system, especially for a team aiming for consistent Stanley Cup contention. Additionally, the impact of the flattened salary cap due to the COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity for NHL general managers. Despite these challenges, Sweeney’s managerial track record may stand as one of the strongest in the league. The Boston Bruins have secured playoff berths for four consecutive seasons since the onset of the pandemic, and with their upcoming appearance in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, they are set to make their eighth playoff appearance in nine seasons under Sweeney’s leadership.

A key factor contributing to Sweeney’s and the Bruins’ sustained success has been the astute contract extensions he negotiated with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak in 2016 and 2017, respectively. On September 26, 2016, Sweeney finalized an eight-year, $49 million ($6.1 million AAV) extension for Marchand, followed by Pastrnak’s six-year, $40 million ($6.6 million AAV) extension on September 14, 2017.

Highlighted in a tweet, these two contract extensions have emerged as among the most lucrative and beneficial signings made by any NHL general manager in the past decade.