Boston Bruins: Top 3 players that can replace David Pastrnak on the first line until he returns

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.

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.

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.

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.