The Boston Bruins have commenced their training camp, facing an immediate challenge as their top scorer, David Pastrnak, is sidelined due to tendinitis. General Manager Don Sweeney confirmed on Wednesday that Pastrnak will miss the initial practices.
Sweeney clarified that while the four-time All-Star will be present on the ice, he will not be participating in full team drills for the first few days. However, the team anticipates his full return to practice by next week. The general manager did not disclose the precise location of the tendinitis but noted that the condition arose during Pastrnak`s recent off-season training regimen.
Last season, Pastrnak was an undisputed offensive leader for Boston, accumulating an impressive 106 points from 43 goals and 63 assists – a total nearly double that of his next highest-scoring teammate. He showcased remarkable durability by playing in all 82 games for the third consecutive season. Despite his stellar individual performance, the Bruins did not secure a playoff spot, marking their first absence since 2016.
This season introduces a new era for the Bruins under head coach Marco Sturm, who succeeded interim coach Joe Sacco after Jim Montgomery`s dismissal in November. Addressing Pastrnak`s temporary absence on the opening day of camp, Sturm highlighted the opportunity it presents for other players, especially the team`s younger talent, to make their mark.
“Usually there’s always one surprise in training camp. And hopefully we have at least one or two,” Sturm remarked. “There will be opportunities, and that’s what I’m all excited about. I worked with all the young kids the last three years, so I want them to have success. And I’m going to do everything I can to put them in a good spot.”
Meanwhile, the question of team captaincy remains unresolved. Following the trade of former captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers at the deadline, Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy, who served as alternate captains, organized off-season “captain`s practices.” However, Sweeney reiterated last week that the organization is taking a deliberate approach to naming a new captain. He explained that a dedicated leadership group is actively meeting, and a suitable candidate is expected to emerge naturally over time.