The announcement, confirmed early this morning by Oilers management, has stunned fans, analysts, and even fellow players across the league. Pastrňák, long regarded as the face of the Boston Bruins, now joins forces with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, forming what many are already calling the most dangerous offensive trio in modern hockey.
Speaking at a brief press conference, Oilers GM Ken Holland called the signing a “new era for Edmonton,” adding that this move was about “building the ultimate powerhouse team to chase not just one, but multiple Stanley Cups.”
The contract — unprecedented in both term and value — averages out to over $118 million per year, dwarfing the current top NHL salaries and sparking immediate controversy about its implications for the league’s salary cap structure. The NHL has yet to comment on how the Oilers plan to manage cap compliance, fueling widespread speculation about potential loopholes, private endorsements, or even structural changes to the cap system.
Meanwhile, the mood in Boston has shifted from disbelief to heartbreak. Pastrňák, who spent over a decade with the Bruins and became one of the league’s most beloved figures, leaves behind a fan base that had come to see him as untouchable.
Social media has exploded in reaction to the deal. Within minutes, hashtags like #PastrnakToOilers, #709Million, and #BruinsBetrayal were trending across platforms. Memes, videos, and emotional farewell messages from Bruins fans began flooding in.
While Pastrňák has not yet made a public statement, sources close to him suggest the decision was about “legacy, opportunity, and a once-in-a-lifetime offer to create something historic.”
The NHL Players’ Association is reportedly reviewing the terms of the contract to ensure league standards were upheld, but many around the hockey world believe this deal could forever alter the financial landscape of the sport.
For now, all eyes turn to Edmonton — where the pressure is now sky-high, the expectations are championship-or-bust, and the league’s most explosive offensive core is officially in place.
More updates to follow as the story continues to unfold.
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