David Pastrnak Turning Heads at Bruins Development Camp
By Duncan Day
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; David Pastrnak puts on a team cap after being selected as the number twenty-five overall pick to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
David Pastrnak: One for the Future
A first-round pick of the Boston Bruins, David Pastrnak was drafted by the B’s for a reason.
He has limitless potential.
The Czech forward took to the ice when the Bruins development camp for prospects commence on Wednesday, and watching him skate alongside the other players, his offensive excellence was clear, using his own equipment or not.
“[He was] probably getting used to his equipment that he borrowed from us because he showed up with just his skates,” joked Bruins assistant general manager Don Sweeney. “I think the kid loves to play hockey, he loves to be around hockey and he’s smiling all the time. He really enjoys it.”
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Pastrnak himself was thrilled to finally get practice underway after an absence from the hockey rink.
“Everybody was looking forward to getting on the ice. Thanks to everybody that came out and supported us,” said Pastrnak. “It was my first time on the ice for two months, so I was having a tough time myself. I was focusing on my skating and how I played, but it was a good feeling being out there.”
Many have drawn David Krejci-Pastrnak comparisons, and having the 18-year-old drawn so close to such a dynamic figure on the Bruins is somewhat of a tall order.
Pastrnak holds a great deal of respect for Krejci.
“It was unreal when David Krejci messaged me over the phone after I was drafted,” he said. “He (Krejci) just wrote me ‘congrats buddy, I hope to see you at camp and we’re going to have fun.’ I didn’t know what to say to him because I was in paradise. I just said ‘thank you’, and it will be great to meet him.”
The new Bruin showed exactly why he drew the attention of scouts, displaying his noteworthy vision, stick skills, puck handling and shooting ability.
Although his defensive capabilities need a bit of work, watch out for the 25th overall pick. He surely has a future in the NHL.