Bastian, 23, became a regular in the team's lineup during the 2020-21 campaign, appearing in 41 games and posting three goals and 10 points. And if it hadn't been for a leg injury that knocked him out for 15 games, Bastian would have likely played in every single game during the year.
"Last year was good for me. It was a step in the right direction," he said. "The same with this contract. It's something to build off of. I still feel like I have a lot to prove in this league. If this contract helps me to stick around a little bit longer and try to prove myself, great."
While Bastian, the team's second-round pick (41st overall) in 2016, feels like an NHLer, he by no means thinks that he's "made it." There is much work ahead.
"Trying to make a name for myself. Trying to make sure that year to year I'm staying in the lineup," he said. "There are going to be good players, great players coming up every year. I have to make sure that nobody takes my job away from me."
Bastian balanced both feeling comfortable in the league with not becoming complacent.
"It's not only on the ice. It's in the room or on the road. There's a certain amount of comfortability that you want to get to to help your performance on the ice," he said. "But you want to walk the line, too. Because you want to stay on your toes and prove yourself every day. There's a chance to get too comfortable and that's not something I want to have happen to me."
As Bastian's rookie year progressed, so did the coaching staff's trust in him. His minutes improved from 9-10 early in the year to 15-17 late in the season. His defensive role increased, facing opposing team's top players and participating on the team's penalty kill. Earning the trust of coaches and teammates was a big factor in his growing confidence.
"That means everything. Confidence grows when the coach uses you in tougher situations," he said. "This contract is part of it, too. It helps my confidence and makes me feel like I belong now. There's tons to be excited for next year."
Bastian knew exactly his role on the team. At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, the Kitchener, Ontario native brought a physical toughness and tenacity on every shift. He skated hard and played hard. Bastian led the team with 136 hits, which ranked second among all NHL rookies - behind only Montreal's Alexander Romanov, who appeared in 12 more games.
Having a clearly defined role helped Bastian excel.
"Once you figure out what you do and what you're good at you can kind of build off of it," Bastian said. "You get some games in. Ten go by, 20 go by, for me 40 and then a contract and I'm starting to feel like I belong."
