The Boston Bruins have begun their training camp festivities and are preparing for the 2025-26 NHL season. Boston is hoping to rebound from the disappointing performance they turned in a season ago. However, there are early concerns over the injury status of star winger David Pastrnak.
Pastrnak is going to be absolutely vital to Boston’s success this year. The 29-year-old winger has become one of the best point producers in the entire league. He scored 100+ points in a year where Boston finished last in the Atlantic Division. And he may need to do so again if this team wants to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
However, Pastrnak did not immediately participate in training camp. He took the first week off to deal with tendinitis in his knee. This is a bit concerning, as his importance to the Bruins cannot be understated.
The Boston star did return to practice on Monday. Following the practice session, he was asked about the knee issue. Pastrnak straightforwardly said he is not concerned with it at this time.
“I played with that the whole year last year, so I wouldn’t be too worried about it obviously,” Pastrnak said, via NHL.com. “I spent a lot of time in the summer to make it better, and it did get much better than it was last year. Obviously it wasn’t perfect [and] it’s not perfect yet, so it was perfect timing to try to get it even better — it already got better. Like I said, nothing too concerning. It’s just something that’s nagging me for a very long time.”
David Pastrnak Return Energizes Bruins Practice
Pastrnak’s impact on the game is evident any time he’s on the ice. He has shown the ability to be an otherworldly goal scorer. And his improved playmaking ability has helped him record three consecutive 100+ points seasons for the Bruins.
His impact goes beyond the scoresheet, as well. Take Boston’s 5-2 preseason opening loss to the Washington Capitals, for instance. While it is preseason, Pastrnak’s absence was clearly felt. Having him back has given this team an extra bit of pep in their step, so to speak.
“Yeah, you could feel it here today … as soon as he steps on the ice, there was a certain presence we were missing the last few days,” Boston coach Marco Sturm said, via NHL.com. “It was good energy, especially coming from him.”
Pastrnak Expected To Lead By Example
Pastrnak was one of a few Bruins players who truly didn’t need to worry about a spot this summer. Boston is not embracing a full rebuild despite selling at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. As a result, Pastrnak was not going anywhere. And he wasn’t being displaced on his line.
As expected, the 29-year-old Boston star practiced on the first line. He lined up alongside Morgan Geekie and Elias Lindholm. He also saw time on the team’s first power play unit.