Forward David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins is coming off a memorable season.
The native of Havirov, Czechoslovakia, led the Bruins in goals and points while also winning gold in the IIHF World Championships. Pastrnak now has the second-best chance of winning the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal scorer in the upcoming year.
Pastrnak is just behind Toronto Maple Leafs forward Austin Matthews, who has minus-115 odds, with plus-550 odds to win the coveted trophy. At plus-750, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers are tied for third place, behind Pastrnak.
The good prediction follows a season in which Pastrnak scored 47 goals to finish fifth in the league, marking his third consecutive season in the 40-goal club.
Pastrnak will probably have a new running partner this season as the Bruins signed center Elias Lindholm to anchor their top line, which should help. The Bruins’ defense will still be the foundation of their identity, though.
Don Sweeney, general manager of the Boston Bruins, stated, “I think our defense is the strength of our hockey club, and I wanted to continue to make sure we have those foundational pieces in place.” “I believe we can tease a little more offense out of it as a group.”
With an average ice time of 19:55 per game to finish third on the club and top among forwards, Pastrnak will once again be a major offensive asset for Boston next season. Even Sweeny believes that the squad is leaning more toward defensive hockey as opposed to offensive shootouts.
“I think that’s the only criticism I have of Monty and his remark,” Sweeney stated. In those circumstances, you can win two to one. Most of the time, you most likely have to. There are narrow edges. It wasn’t runaway hockey if you watch the last three games of our series versus Florida.
Pastrnak will therefore continue to be the Bruins’ primary offensive option going into the upcoming year. The 30-year-old has the better odds, and bettors should too. With few possibilities for scoring goals and an emphasis on defense, Pastrnak presents a strong case to win the Rocket Richard trophy the next season.
Although Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals has won nine Rocket Richard trophies, Matthews has still won three of the previous four.
After winning the prize in the 2019–20 campaign, Pastrnak ought to have another Rocket Richard in his trophy case by June of the following year.
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