The Boston Bruins have made forward David Pastrnak available to join his countrymen in the IIHF World Junior Championships, effective (almost) immediately.
After dropping their opening match versus Team Russia, Czechoslovakia squares off against Slovakia on Monday, however, Pastrnak will not suit up for the Czech club until Wednesday versus Belarus, as the NHL roster freeze prevents him from reporting before the 28th of December.
Pastrnak Reports
Pastrnak was selected 25th overall by the Bruins in 2014, and has competed in 56 games across two seasons as a Bruin, as well as an additional 27 AHL contests with their affiliate in Providence.
According to the Bruins’ Twitter feed, general manager Don Sweeney felt that the “positive effect” of last year’s WJHC on Pastrnak’s confidence would benefit the young winger, who has two goals and two assists with the Bruins in ten contests this season.
Sweeney said last year's WJC had such a positive impact on Pastrnak's confidence that the club is hoping for a similar outcome this year.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 27, 2015
Further, it is understood that the crafty winger will be reporting directly to the big club following the tournament, barring injury.
Nylander Injured
Speaking of injury, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect William Nylander was rocked by a blind-side headshot as Sweden took on a very chippy Swiss club. The status of the Leafs’ 8th overall selection of 2014 remains unclear at this time, following his release from a local Helsinki hospital.
Reports indicate that he ‘feels pretty good’, considering the circumstances, and will remain at the hotel where he can be monitored closely for signs of concussion, as per Chris Johnston.
Team Sweden doctor Sofia Sunnerud declined to say if William Nylander had a concussion. He's at team hotel and will be monitored overnight.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 26, 2015
Chris Egli of Switzerland was issued an automatic game misconduct for what was deemed a reckless and dangerous hit to the head. Sweden pumped the Swiss squad for eight (one by Nylander, and four assists to his brother Alex Nylander) to win 8-3.
Main Photo: David Pastrnak playing for team Czech Republic during the 2014 World Junior Championships. Photo by Getty Images/Sport.
