Report: Bruins, Pastrnak make progress in extension talks

The Boston Bruins and David Pastrnak appear to be closer to getting a deal done.

The two sides made progress in extension negotiations last week, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday's edition of "Insider Trading."

Pastrnak, a pending unrestricted free agent, has vaulted into the Hart Trophy conversation during his contract year. The 26-year-old ranks second in the NHL with 35 goals and third behind only Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with 62 points across 43 games. He's notched 19 more goals and 22 more points than the closest teammates.

The dynamic winger is the Bruins' highest-paid forward. He's in the final year of a six-year pact carrying a cap hit of $6.67 million, according to CapFriendly.

Pastrnak shared the "Rocket" Richard Trophy with Alex Ovechkin in 2019-20 when they racked up 48 goals apiece. Pastrnak is in his ninth campaign with the club that drafted him 25th overall in 2014.