Bruins Send Pastrnak Back To Providence
BOSTON (CBS) -- David Pastrnak has been sent back to Providence, the Boston Bruins announced Monday morning.
Pastrnak, Boston's first round pick in the 2014 entry draft, played in five games for Boston during his first stint with the team, making his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 24. The 18-year-old forward picked up his first NHL point and assist on December 1, recording a helper on Brad Marchand's second period goal against the Anaheim Ducks.
In 17 games with Providence, Pastrnak has scored five goals and 13 assists for 18 points with a plus-12 rating. On November 3, he was named the CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month for October when he tallied two goals and seven assists with a plus-8 rating in seven matchups for Providence.
The move is a bit odd for Boston, who are in desperate need of any offense they can muster. It could be a sign that forward David Krejci is close to returning from an undisclosed lower body injury.
With the Bruins off until Thursday, they may also want Pastrnak to get in some work this week. Providence plays back-to-back games against the St. John's Icecaps on Tuesday and Wednesday.
There are a number of options for Pastrnak, who could play in the AHL or head back to Sweden to play in the elite league. He is also eligible to take part in the World Juniors tournament in a few weeks.
While he may be back in the AHL for the moment, there's little doubt Pastrnak will be back in the NHL at some point this season.
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