David Pastrnak rumored to be 'heavily pursued' by Panthers

David Pastrnak. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

David Pastrnak rumored to be 'heavily pursued' by the Florida Panthers, per source

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 11:54 AM ET

The latest rumor surrounding Bruins superstar David Pastrnak is that he is being heavily pursued by Panthers GM Bill Zito, according to a new report.

David Pastrnak has been awarded his eighth Golden Hockey Stick as the year's best Czech ice hockey player.

The Boston Bruins superstar, 29, received the award after another dominant season, in which he was the fourth-leading scorer in the NHL and best scorer at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

Pastrnak became the first Czech to tally three straight 100-point NHL seasons, continuing his record-breaking career. Despite his individual level of excellence, the year ended sourly at the team level. The Bruins didn't qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and the Czech national team did not medal at the World Championship a year after winning gold on home ice.

Pastrnak is second only to all-time legends Jaromir Jagr (12 wins) and Patrik Elias in Golden Stick awards and is nearly on sacred turf.

The rumors involving Pastrnak and the Panthers are really heating up

According to Czech outlet iSport, Pastrnak's name is being linked to the Panthers in trade rumor talk as Florida could be setting up for a blockbuster with the Bruins.

A league source had confirmed that the Florida Panthers and GM Bill Zito are aggressively pursuing the star winger in a potential blockbuster trade. Nothing is in the works yet, however, but there does appear to be momentum.

Pastrnak is running on an eight-year contract with the Bruins worth a total of $90 million. Earning $11.25 million per year, making the star forward the highest-paid Czech athlete.

The Bruins begin their preseason on Sep. 21 at home against the Washington Capitals, though whether Pastrnak will be wearing black and gold is still uncertain.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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