Going into the 2-26-27 season, there is once again going to be a lot of pressure on Boston Bruins superstar forward David Pastrnak. Last season, Pastrnak became more of a playmaker, racking up 71 assists and just 29 goals. Who saw that type of production coming?
Likely not many people did see it coming after four straight 40-plus goal seasons for Boston's first-round pick in the 2014 Entry Draft. It ended up being his fourth straight 100-point regular season and unless an injury occurs this season, why not make it five straight years?
However, going into the season that begins next month at the TD Garden against the New York Rangers, Pastrnak might not admit it, but he is closing in on a franchise record that he's destined to shatter before his career is over.
Bruins star David Pastrnak has chance to vault up one franchise record list
Pastrnak has 420 goals, which puts him fifth on the all-time franchise list. However, he has an opportunity to skyrocket up the list closer to the top with a big season. Johnny Bucyk holds the record with 545 goals, and if there is someone who can break that record, it's Pastrnak. However, he has a chance to pass two former linemates to inch closer to Bucyk.
Pastrnak is two goals shy of tying former teammate Brad Marchand, who was traded to the Florida Panthers at the 2025 deadline. Pastrnak is five goals behind former captain and linemate Patrice Bergeron, who has 427 goals. Passing Bergeron would put Pastrnak third on the all-time list. The next player would be Phil Esposito, who has 459 goals.
So for those keeping score at home, Pastrnak would need another 40-goal season in 2026-27 to pass Esposito, and given his history, that is certainly well within reach. It wouldn't be surprising if that happened at some point.
Passing Marchand and Bergeron is easy money this season for the Bruins' superstar, and he should have passed Bergeron by early December when his number is retired to the rafters at the TD Garden. It could be a season where Pastrnak climbs the franchise record for goals and inches closer to Bucyk. The 84-game season is only going to help.
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