ESPN CONFIRMED: Boston Bruins Legend David Pastrňák Terminates Contract Early Due to Shocking Reason
In a stunning and unexpected development, Boston Bruins superstar right winger David Pastrňák has formally terminated his contract with the team, just one year shy of the 2025–26 season’s conclusion.
ESPN has confirmed through multiple league and team sources that Pastrňák, a fan favorite and long-considered a Bruins legend, invoked a rarely used personal clause in his contract allowing for early termination under “extreme lifestyle pivot circumstances.” The reason? Not injury. Not scandal. Not even retirement.
“I’m leaving to follow my true passion: opening a chain of gourmet donut shops across North America,” Pastrňák said in a press conference held outside a surprise pop-up store titled ‘Pasta & Pastries’ in downtown Boston.
A Career Ends, A Culinary Dream Begins
Pastrňák, 29, had been under contract with the Bruins through the end of the 2025–26 season, with an annual cap hit of $11.25 million. The Bruins front office expressed “shock, admiration, and minor confusion” at the move, stating that while they had no prior warning, they “fully support Pasta’s next chapter.”
“It’s not every day your leading scorer walks away to bake crullers,” said Bruins GM Don Sweeney. “But if anyone could do it and make it legendary, it’s David.”
According to ESPN insiders, Pastrňák has been quietly training under celebrity pastry chefs during offseasons and even completed a six-week course at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris last summer under an alias, “Davey Dough.”
Reaction Around the League
Social media exploded within minutes of the announcement. Teammates and rivals alike took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts:
- Patrice Bergeron (Ret.): “We lost a winger and gained a world-class baker. Respect.”
- Brad Marchand: “He once scored a hat trick and made banana bread on the same day. Should’ve seen this coming.”
Even Connor McDavid chimed in: “I’d line up for those maple bacon éclairs.”
What’s Next?
Pastrňák says his first flagship location will open in Boston’s North End in early 2026, with further stores planned in Prague, Montreal, and Los Angeles. The Bruins, meanwhile, now face a major hole in their offensive lineup and salary cap space they weren’t expecting.
“I’ve given everything to this game,” Pastrňák said. “Now, I want to give everything to this glaze.”
