It is officially a new era in Boston Bruins hockey. The Bruins went from being perennial Stanley Cup contenders for over a decade and have now begun to sell off key pieces. The pieces they’ve sold are parts of their leadership group, with Charlie Coyle , Brandon Carlo, and most notably captain Brad Marchand. With the Bruins not having a captain, there is a new era of Bruins hockey and the time for a new leader to rise. With that being said, it’s going to be up to David Pastrnak to lead this next wave of Bruins hockey.
It All Begins With David Pastrnak
With trading Marchand, the Bruins officially opened a new chapter in their illustrious history. He was the last remaining piece from the team that captured the Stanley Cup in 2011, so his departure signals a new wave of Bruins hockey. Despite general manager Don Sweeney selling off key pieces at the trade deadline, there is still a core intact. However, the leadership begins with Pastrnak.
Everyone knows what he can do on the ice. Pastrnak leads by example on the ice with his level of play and being the team’s most valuable offensive player. Over the last three seasons, he has been counted on for his point production as well as his goal-scoring ability. During the historic 2022-23 season, he led the team with 61 goals, with the next player (Jake DeBrusk) having 27. He also finished 46 points higher than the next closest player. In 2023-24, he still scored 47 goals, but once again finished with 43 points more than the next closest player. The same can be said for this season, as he has 41 more points than the next closest player. For further context, he has the fifth-most points in the NHL from 2021-present day with 381. He is among the best, and his play on the ice speaks for itself.
Pastrnak is the heart and soul of this Bruins team. He has formed a more well-rounded 200-foot game and has improved his playmaking ability this season. Furthermore, he has carried this team, and by the luck of the hockey gods, could find themselves in playoff position thanks to his play. You can make a compelling case for him to win the Hart Trophy this season, as the Bruins would be in bad shape without him.
Pastrnak is more than just his wicked one-timers and his special blend of skill. He’s a leader off the ice as well, which speaks volumes.
Pastrnak Being a Leader off the Ice
With the team not having a captain, the new voice will continue to be Pastrnak. You don’t have to have the ‘C’ on your jersey to be able to have a voice and speak up. The Bruins have had plenty of leaders over the years who didn’t have the letter on their jerseys. While he leads by example on the ice, he also carries himself like a true professional off the ice.
It doesn’t seem like much, but Pastrnak leading his team onto the ice before their game against the Florida Panthers (March 10), speaks volumes. He is all smiles and is now shouldering the responsibility to lead this team and take charge. He was asked about taking over as the captain, and he shed light on how he feels about it.
“I don’t think about it, honestly. “I got the ‘A’ and I haven’t changed a bit. The role changed a little bit, you lead more.
Pastrnak is embracing the role and being more of a leader. He continues to be a professional on and off the ice, and if this team is to continue to make strides, it all begins with number 88.
Pastrnak Is the Perfect Leader for this Team
Pastrnak has embraced the new role and wants to lead more. This is his team now, and it’s going to be great to see him take continued strides in that department. He’s learned from the best previous captains of this team, and he leads both on and off the ice. Who knows, he could wear the ‘C’ next for the Bruins. That wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
