Nov 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing
David Pastrnak(88), playing in his first NHL game, looks to take a shot during the third period of the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins scratched David Pastrnak Saturday night against the Arizona Coyotes and announced late last night that they have sent him back down to Providence. Many thought that David Pastrnak was here to stay, vying that he was exactly what the Bruins have needed this season, a shot-generating forward, myself included. However, after appearing in his first five professional career games and registering a helper on Brad Marchand‘s goal against the Ducks, he will now take some more time to develop in Providence.
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One has to wonder why the Bruins would send him back, leaving just one extra forward to travel with the team, especially when he was helping to generate the much needed offensive pressure and shots on net (he tallied 14 shots on net throughout his 5 games, 9 of them against Anaheim). Does this mean that David Krejci and Zdeno Chara are really this close to return? If so, the Lucic-Krejci-Griffith line would be in tact again, which would definitely generate some offense and provide some roster shuffling with the re-insertion of Chara as well. The projected return date for Chara is December 11, making the assumption viable.
GM Peter Chiarelli also made sure he called Pastrnak’s call up an evaluation, allowing the team to see how he had developed thus far down in Providence and to see how he would fare at the NHL compete level. While he didn’t post big numbers or log hefty minutes, he was able to create offensive chances in every game and hold his own, despite some speculation that he youngster couldn’t handle the physicality. He can still play another four game in the NHL before the Bruins have to make a decision, leaving another plausible reason for the transaction.
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Despite us writing an article explaining why Pastrnak should stick around among other sources, it seems the Bruins organization is still unclear on what to do with him. There is a possibility that he could stay in the AHL for the next few weeks then take part in the World Junior Championships for the Czech Republic and be able to re-enter the NHL in January. For now it’s a waiting game to see what happens, one that hopefully will bring results sooner rather than later.