Boston Bruins superstar David Pastrnak had five 40-goal seasons in his past six entering the 2025-26 season, with the only blemish coming during the COVID-19-shortened 2020-21 season. He was one of the league's most consistent goalscorers, but the big question entering last season was who would get him the puck now that Brad Marchand was in Florida and the top six didn't have much offensive firepower.
Pastrnak took it upon himself to become the team's playmaker, infuriating some fans with his reluctance to shoot the puck at all, especially on the powerplay. Not only did he pass off more than he shot, but he also moved from the left flank on the powerplay to the right side, where he was unable to get his usual collection of goals from the weak-side one-timer.
Externally, Pastrnak told everyone who would listen that he was okay with his new role on the powerplay, and even had a moment on a TNT broadcast during the playoffs where he shared that Bruce Cassidy was the originator of the idea for him to play in that role on the powerplay. While the superstar acted like it was his preference, it was clear that it was a matter of necessity because of the lack of talent around him.
How David Pastrnak can return to his scoring ways
Pastrnak's role on the powerplay is why the acquisition of JJ Peterka is so intriguing for the Bruins. We love to see Morgan Geekie become one of the league's most lethal scorers thanks to Pastrnak's playmaking ability, but is he really the one you want sitting on the left flank this entire season, especially when he goes through his dry spells?
Landing Peterka gives the Bruins an interesting new look, as Peterka can play the right flank with Pastrnak on the left. If Marco Sturm still doesn't want to give up the dream of Geekie being a 30-goal scorer, he can easily slide into the bumper to start and create some movement with Pastrnak, where they interchange to keep the penalty killers guessing.
While Pastrnak's playmaking era has been fun to watch, fans would love to see him return to his 40-goal pace, though a return to the 61-goal season feels more and more unlikely. However, a season with another skilled player like Peterka at both five-on-five and with the man advantage should help Pastrnak realize that he can still be one of the league's most-feared shooters.
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