Boston Bruins: Top 3 players that can replace David Pastrnak on the first line until he returns
By Matt Hawkins
![TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 19: Ondrej Kase #28 of the Boston Bruins carries the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 19, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 19: Ondrej Kase #28 of the Boston Bruins carries the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 19, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/aae1512709514f92221a62afed11e817b8ad611ea1db320f66ff454e67b29d24.jpg)
1. Ondrej Kase could play the Boston Bruins’ first line right wing.
Ondrej Kase is not number one because he is the best and most proven option, but instead because he is the most logical option when you looked at the Bruins’ depth chart when the playoffs ended.
When Kase first arrived with the Bruins after being acquired via a trade deadline deal that saw David Backes and a first-round pick go to the Anaheim Ducks, he struggled.
Related Story. Boston Bruins: Ondrej Kase should be the second line right wing. light
In six games before the regular season was stopped, Kase had just one assist. However, in the playoffs, playing on the second line with DeBrusk and David Krejci, Kase seemed to find his groove.
In 11 playoff games, Kase scored four points. His line was arguably the best Bruins’ line during the playoffs.
Although Kase has struggled to remain healthy throughout his short career, he has shown flashes of being a top-six forward. In 2017-18, he scored 20 goals in just 66 games. And in 2018-19, he scored 11 goals through just 30 games. This is a 0.37 goals per game pace and through 82 games is equivalent to 30 goals.
light. Related Story. Boston Bruins: Analyzing and grading the 2019-20 season of Ondrej Kase
However, like the other two forwards on this list, Kase has never played top-line minutes — his career average ice time is just 14:20. But, over the last two seasons with Anaheim, Kase was playing over 16 minutes a game.
Still being young at just 25 years old, I think Kase is more likely to be able to handle the extra playing time over Coyle (28) and Smith (31). Furthermore, with Kase finishing the playoffs as the team’s second line right wing, he should get the first shot at filling Pasta’s spot.
Next. Boston Bruins: Top 3 defensemen worth bringing in for PTO. dark
While replacing what Pastrnak brings to the Bruins is basically impossible, the team still needs to slot someone in his position on the depth chart when the 2021 season begins. I believe these three players are the best options and also make the most logical sense.