Updated: David Pastrnak out at least two weeks after procedure on left thumb

A Bruins club that has labored all season in long when it comes to generating offense is now set to be without its top scorer for at least the next two weeks.

Addressing the media at Warrior Ice Arena Tuesday morning, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney announced David Pastrnak underwent a procedure on his left thumb — with the star winger set to be re-evaluated two weeks from now. Sweeney added that the surgery was a success, and the club expects him to return this season.

“It was a tendon repair,” Sweeney said. “They’ll have the specifics later, but (Dr. Matt Liebman) feels comfortable in saying in two weeks, he’ll have a much better timeline in terms of what it’s going to take. From a rehab standpoint, there’s really nothing. He’ll be able to skate in 10 days, so conditioning really won’t be an issue. Just a matter of the stitches and infection-wise, to make sure he doesn't have any issues in that regard.”

Pastrnak, who paces Boston in both goals (31) and points (66) this season, suffered the injury while attending a sponsorship dinner on Sunday night. At around 11:30 p.m. that night, he fell — causing the injury.

“I met with David yesterday, he was extremely upset, disappointed," Sweeney said. "Obviously feels like he let everybody down, despite it being an accident. Was apologetic and was heartfelt in trying to explain that accidents happen, and I said the same thing to him.”

With Pastrnak sidelined, the Bruins kept its new top line intact during Tuesday’s morning rushes ahead of a matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks later that night — with Danton Heinen remaining up top with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.

Pastrnak’s latest spot in the lineup, to the right of David Krejci on Boston’s second line, was filled in by Peter Cehlarik, while Jake DeBrusk returned to his usual top-six role at left wing.

BSJ Analysis



Obviously, this is a devastating blow for the Bruins, who have often had to eke out wins and scrap for points all season long. Ranked 17th in the league in goals per game (2.88) and 27th overall at 5v5 goals scored (95), Boston has struggled to separate itself and get on a sustained stretch of wins for most of the year — with 26 of the club’s 56 tilts played so far this season ending in one-goal games.

Pastrnak — who was on pace for 45 goals and 97 points this season — was one of Boston’s cheat codes to an otherwise listless offense, generating scoring regardless of which center he was paired with thanks to his patented one-timer from the left circle.



On a line with Bergeron and Marchand (388 5v5 minutes together), Pastrnak helped generate 22 5v5 goals, but he’s been productive just about whenever he’s taken a shift during 5v5 play. Across multiple combinations, Pastrnak has been out on the ice for 42 of Boston’s 95 5v5 tallies this year — 44.2 percent of Boston’s total output.

Most of Boston’s offensive production has come by way of a potent power play, which ranks third overall in the NHL with a 26.4 success rate. As expected, Pastrnak has also excelled in that area of the game, tying for the league lead with 15 goals scored on the man advantage this season. He’s also tied for second in the NHL with 29 total points accrued on the power play. 

With Pastrnak sidelined for at least the next two weeks, it leaves few in-house options for the Bruins when it comes to solving its scoring woes, which will only magnify during Pastrnak’s absence. Of course, players such as DeBrusk (zero goals, two assists in last 13 games) will need to get rolling, especially in top-six roles, but Sweeney’s pursuit of a scoring winger or third-line center seems more crucial now than ever before.

Of course, Boston is now caught in a less-than-advantageous spot. Already with little leverage given Boston’s well-known scoring woes, the Bruins might have to pay up even more now to pry a proven player from another club, especially now with Pastrnak unavailable.

An unfortunate accident, to be sure — with a whole ton of ripple effects in its wake.

All stats via Corsica.