from Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic,

After the 2019-20 season, Torey Krug’s contract was expiring. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney did not stand in the way of the defenseman’s exit to St. Louis.

A year later, David Krejci’s deal was up. Upon season’s end, Krejci considered relocating his family to Czechia. Sweeney did not make it worth the center’s while to change his mind.

In both cases, David Pastrnak was watching.

“88 had seen how Don has treated his two best friends,” a source close to Pastrnak wrote The Athletic in a text. “No chance he comes back with Sweens as GM.”

Pastrnak, 26, is approaching the final season of his six-year, $40 million contract. The right wing will be free to sign an extension July 13. The Bruins want that to happen.

continued (paid)

added 11:15am,