Mirror, mirror on the wall, which was the most surprising trade of them all? A fair enough question considering the recently concluded NHL trade window delivered a box full of surprises. While there were several eye-catching trades like the Seth Jones and Mikko Rantanen ones, the most eye-catching and surprising one of them all would have to be the Brad Marchand trade. But it is done now, and as the dust begins to settle, fans have just about started to come to terms with the new normal. Though the process hasn’t been 100% smooth.
It’s only natural; the former captain of the Bruins had been one of their most pivotal players over the years and was the last remaining link to that legendary Stanley Cup-winning team of 2011. However, the front office had clearly decided that a soft rebuild was necessary, and well, Marchand just so happened to be one of the casualties after contract negotiations stalled. Now the Bruins have got a new leader in the form of David Pastrnak. But even as Pastrnak continues to shine on the ice, fans have remained cautious over his influence. Though he does have his defenders, one of them being the fan account Mike From Woburn.
If you aren’t impressed with David Pastrnak’s poise and determination, in spite of the Bruins season imploding and multiple friends being traded, you can’t be helped.
His production is approaching McDavid/MacKinnon territory and his supporting cast is no where near theirs.
— Mike From Woburn (@MikeFromWoburn) March 14, 2025
Now Pastrnak and the Bruins have had contrasting seasons. While the former is enjoying one of his best seasons in the NHL, the Bruins have struggled for the most part, with their form being streaky at best. David Pastrnak is sixth on the list of the most points scored this season, with 82 points to his credit (34 goals and 48 assists).
On the contrary, the Bruins are second from the bottom in the Atlantic Division. And for some added context, next on the Bruins points list is Pavel Zacha, with 40 (13 goals and 27 assists), less than half of Pastrnak’s total. So you can see why the 28-year-old draws such a staunch defense.
But this defense has sparked a debate about David Pastrnak’s record this year and his influence on the ice. This comes within the context of several of his close associates leaving the team and the Bruins’ poor performances. Thus, a section of fans questioned whether he would continue to shine in Marchand’s absence.
Fans are not in consensus regarding David Pastrnak
Any fan would imagine that a player’s stellar personal stats in the season would translate into his team’s success. As that hasn’t been the case for David Pastrnak and one fan commented, “Well yeah it’s pretty simple. Pastrnak plays loser hockey or empty calorie hockey. His team sucks, so he doesn’t have to worry about winning games. He just wants to put up points. Pasta won’t ever win anything. Loser.” It was quite a scathing comment from the critical fan, who completely downplayed Pastrnak’s efforts as they didn’t translate into wins for Bruins.
However, another fan acknowledged the fact that Pastrnak might reach 100 points this season if he continues to score and assist at this pace. “Before tonight he was pacing for 100 points, Marchand before the injury 63 points, and Zacha 50. Unreal,” a fan wrote, as he was buoyed by the fact that Pastrnak was one of the league’s highest scorers this season despite his team’s poor performances.
Meanwhile, another Twitter user sympathized with Pastrnak, as many of his fellow colleagues had left the team. As a result, the fan said, “Yeah his hustle has even picked up more since the trades – it has to be frustrating knowing his team is in rebuild mode.” Not only is the team in a rebuilding phase but also potentially out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs race.
Furthermore, another fan wanted David Pastrnak to step up as the likes of Marchand had left the team. The comment read, “You have to love seeing him take advantage of the situation and stepping up. Understands this is his team now.” Indeed, Pastrnak has become the key pillar for the Bruins and the onus is now on him to take his team forward.
Lastly, a Twitter user had some disappointing predictions for both the Bruins and Pastrnak. The fan revealed, “Too bad the Bruins won’t make playoffs or he would have a real shot at the Hart trophy.” While the prediction looks all but certain, it would mean heartbreak for Pastrnak, who gave his all this season.
After two straight wins, the Bruins lost tamely against the Senators in a pulsating game 6-3. This could prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the Bruins, as hopes of progressing through have diminished big time. However, David Pastrnak is just one player, and if the overall performances are bad, even his heroics will not be enough. But tough pills like these to swallow are what a rebuild is all about, unfortunately.
The post Boston Bruins’ New Leader Post-Brad Marchand Finds Himself in Trouble With Fans appeared first on EssentiallySports.
