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David Pastrnak might have asked for a table for one when he went out for dinner on Sunday night in Toronto.
Usually, the Boston Bruins star told reporters after the morning skate on Monday, he grabs a bite with close friend William Nylander.
Not this time, as Nylander is nowhere near Toronto with the deadline fast approaching for the Maple Leafs to sign him by 5 p.m. on Saturday. If no contract is done by then, Nylander, a restricted free agent, will not be eligible to play in the NHL this season.
“I miss him around here,” Pastrnak said, sounding like he was speaking on behalf of Leafs Nation. “Hopefully, he is going to sign soon.
“It’s definitely hard for him to not play. He is patient. Just (trying to) get what you think you deserve.”
Last year, Pastrnak was in a similar position as Nylander, but the negotiations went quicker. In September 2017, Pastrnak signed a six-year, US$40-million contract with an average annual value of $6.67 million.
That’s already proving to be a bargain for the Bruins. It’s thought that the Pastrnak contract has been used as a comparison in talks between the Leafs and Nylander, and there has been speculation Nylander turned down a similar offer.
Leafs coach Mike Babcock has said he assumes, and is confident, that Nylander will sign and be back in the Toronto lineup soon.
Pastrnak said there is no frustration in wishing he had signed for more money.
“Not at all,” Pastrnak said. “If you asked me when I was 15 years old if I was going to be playing for $6 million a year when I would be 22, I don’t think you would be saying the truth.
“Dream come true for me, and happy for what I am getting. I could be play in (the) Czech (Republic) for a couple hundred bucks a month. I’m really happy.”
