Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak and Alex Khokhlachev To AHL

Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak and Alex Khokhlachev To AHL Ahead of Roster Freeze

The Boston Bruins have made the decision to send both David Pastrnak and Alexander Khokhlachev to the Providence Bruins of the AHL prior to the December 19th league-wide roster freeze. The freeze begins at midnight eastern time, which means all roster moves must be made at 11:59pm or earlier. Alexander Khokhlachev was recently called up to the NHL again due to injuries plaguing the Bruins bottom-six, specifically their fourth line.

More from Bruins News

• Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
• Bruins bringing back familiar forward on tryout contract
• The Bruins should take a look at these four free agents
• NHL Network lists Ullmark as sixth-best goalie in the league
• The Lasting Legacy of David Krejci

The injury issues started with the Bruins losing Chris Kelly for the year early on in the season, followed by both Jonas Kemppainen and Zac Rinaldo being taken out of commission more recently. As a result, the Bruins needed to plug in some players, and rather than inserting Tyler Randell back into the lineup, the Bruins decided to give Alexander Khokhlachev another opportunity. 

Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-5

Puck Prose

Former NY Islanders earn spots on 'Historic 100' list of Boston Bruins players Eyes On Isles

The Boston Bruins announced an incredible All-Centennial teamPuck Prose

Former NY Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara finds a new way to push himselfEyes On Isles

The Boston Bruins are bringing back another old friendPuck Prose

The new faces on the Bruins heading into the 2023-24 seasonPuck Prose

Alexander Khokhlachev’s season can be described as night-and-day so far this year. At the AHL level, Khokhlachev has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with, scoring six goals and adding 14 assists for 20 points in only 17 games. The young Russian forward has shown incredible speed, stick-skills, awareness, and playmaking ability while playing for Providence. In his four games with the Boston Bruins this season, including two consecutive games spent on the wing next to David Krejci and Loui Eriksson in a top-six role, Alexander Khokhlachev has shown slight flashes of brilliance with the puck, but he’s ultimately been unable to contribute anything of note. He currently has zero points in his eight total NHL games, which is a small sample, clearly, but the onus is on Khokhlachev to make a lasting impression on Bruins’ head coach Claude Julien, forcing his way into the lineup each night. The 22 year old will resume is role in Providence on Saturday night when the Providence Bruins take on the Springfield Falcons. 

David Pastrnak being assigned to the Providence Bruins was expected, but the story worth watching will materialize after the game. Buins’ general manager Don Sweeney will be left with the decision of whether or not he wants to loan David Pastrnak to his home country of the Czech Republic for the World Juniors Championships. “There’s a condition element that has to come into play on this based on the fact that he’s missed a lot of hockey. He’s been out for six weeks and that has to be a component in the decision.” Sweeney said.

The decision will likely come immediately following the game with Don Sweeney evaluating where David Pastrnak is at this time in his recovery process. The opportunity to play for his home country at the World Junior Championships again is likely one that David Pastrnak would love to have, and it’s in essence, the ultimate conditioning stint opportunity.

Next: Frank Vatrano Lights The Lamp For His First Hat Trick

More from Causeway Crowd

• Harrison, Toporowski shine in Prospects Challenge
• Obscure former Boston Bruins: Steven Kampfer
• Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
• Bruins release full “Historic 100” list ahead of season
• McAvoy, Lucic named to “Historic 100” list over the weekend

“Tonight David is going to play for Providence,” said Claude Julien. “Then a decision will be made with the World Juniors shortly afterward on whether he goes or not.” There is always the possibility that David Pastrnak simply remains with the Providence Bruins for a few games before ultimately being called back up to the NHL, but the roster freeze takes place up until the 28th of December. If the Bruins were to send their young forward to Finland for the tournament, Pastrnak would likely be eligible to return as early as January 1st, although it could be prolonged depending on the success that the Czech Republic team has at the tournament. With all of these thoughts to consider, all eyes will be on Providence tonight as the Bruins’ management make their decision.

Follow Brandon Share-Cohen on Twitter @BShareCohen to discuss all things Bruins and sports