Boston Bruins Prospect David Pastrnak, Playing Well In The AHL

The Boston Bruins had high expectations for first round draft pick (25th overall) forward David Pastrnak, but a recent upper body injury, and lack of playing time on the Bruins roster during the preseason, may have had the team thinking otherwise.

Pastrnak, a native of Havirov, Czech Republic “tweaked his shoulder” from a hit in a practice session from Bruins defenseman Matt Bartkowski into the boards on Saturday September 20th. Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli has said that the injury is “minor, and is listed day-to-day”.

The Bruins have sent Pastrnak to play in the American Hockey League with the Providence Bruins on October 7, 2014, to get more familiar to North American hockey and the style of the Bruins organization, but Nicholas Goss of NESN.com is suggesting that the Bruins may call up the talented young forward in the next couple of weeks. Goss has also said “that if the18-year-old winger plays in more than nine games for the Bruins, his entry-level contract will then be effective”.

In two AHL games this season with Providence, the six-foot, 175 pound Pastrnak has shown he has a good attitude with being sent down to increase his development. In those two games, he has contributed one goal, and two assists, with nine shots on goal, and a +2 rating.

Pastrnak, who played only two games with country’s Czech 3 league, and hometown team AZ Havirov, but chose to jump to the Swedish Sodertalje SK team to improve his skills at a higher level. In the Allsvenskan Swedish league, he has played in 47 games, posting 10 goals, and 17 assists, before being drafted by the Boston Bruins.

Pastrnak, who plays with tremendous vision on the ice, and has a very good east-west game, while carrying the puck. He is a very good fore-checker that forces the opponent, especially defensemen to create turnovers. His play in the defensive zone has been a question of concern for many scouts, but that is a minor detail of his game, and is a constant work in progress.

In my opinion, I would like to see Pastrnak stay in the AHL for the remainder of this season to continue his development, while gaining size to his 175 pound frame. Also a full season in the minors will not only improve his skills, but also may play an important role for some of the current players on the NHL Bruins roster that may not be resigned to the team due to their restricted / unrestricted status for next season, which should be a no-brainer for GM Chiarelli to keep him on the team permanently.