The Boston Bruins will be forced to navigate the next few weeks, at a minimum, without one of their top scorers, and all because of what sounds like a freak accident.
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney met with the media on Tuesday morning to announce that winger David Pastrnak underwent surgery on his left thumb and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. According to the team, Pastrnak was leaving a team sponsorship function on Sunday when he slipped and fell and injured the thumb.
Pastrnak and several of his teammates attended a sponsorship dinner on Sunday night. At about 11:30, while walking to his transportation, Pastrnak fell and injured his left thumb.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 12, 2019
Team will know better in two weeks, but Pastrnak is expected to return and play this season.
The loss is a huge blow for Boston as they look to keep pace in a tough Atlantic division. (The Bruins currently hold a one-point lead over the Canadiens for third-place in the Atlantic.) The 22-year-old Pastrnak has been one of their most productive and consistent contributors offensively, leading the team with 31 goals and 66 points.
Making matters worse, the Bruins have struggled to get much offensive behind their top stars up front (Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, David Krejci) so losing arguably their biggest forward piece for at least the next few weeks will provide a major challenge.
Sweeney told the media that Pastrnak's injury will not change the way the team approaches the league's Feb. 25 trade deadline.
