Could the David Pastrnak contract negotiations be nearing completion?

The Bruins and their star forward are “financially very close,” according to an ESPN report. Both sides have indicated a desire to get a deal done together throughout the process, but Pastrnak’s monster season has likely raised his dollar value.

Through 51 games, Pastrnak, who was an All-Star last weekend, has 38 goals and 34 assists for 72 points. His goals are second in the NHL and his points are fourth. Connor McDavid leads the NHL in both categories.

“This is tracking to get done this season, after some progress the past few weeks,” ESPN’s Emily Kaplan wrote. “It sounds like Pastrnak will get paid on level with the top stars in the league, and for more money than Boston’s front office was originally budgeting.”

The Bruins return to action Saturday against the Washington Capitals.

WEDNESDAY’S GAME

RANGERS 4, CANUCKS 3: Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil got New York off to a strong start in the first period and the Rangers held on to beat visiting for their third straight win.

Alexis Lafreniere and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the Rangers, who have won four straight and 11 of the last 14 at home. K’Andre Miller had three assists and Jacob Trouba added two, and Igor Shesterkin had 22 saves.

Conor Garland, Vasily Podkolzin and Elias Pettersson had goals for the Canucks. Quinn Hughes had two assists and Spencer Martin finished with 17 saves.


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