In a bold move this offseason, the Boston Bruins shook things up by sending Linus Ullmark, their star goaltender, to the Ottawa Senators. This decision broke up the NHL’s dynamic duo between Ullmark and fellow star, Jeremy Swayman. As a result, Swayman is set to take on a much larger role in the upcoming 2024-25 season. The Bruins acquired forward Mark Kastelic in the Ullmark trade. In doing so, they add a player who may not grab headlines just yet, but has the potential to greatly strengthen the team’s lineup. Mark Kastelic is famous for his physical play, and there’s no doubt he’ll bring that same level of physicality to the Bruins.
Analyzing the Impact of Recently Acquired Mark Kastelic on Bruins Lineup
Kastelic’s reputation precedes him for his impressive physicality and determination when it comes to forechecking, making him a great match for the Bruins’ style of play. Not only does he bring toughness to the team, but he also showcases speed and skill in a defensive role. Moreover, his success rate of 56.3% at the faceoff dot speaks volumes about his abilities. Given these attributes, he has the potential to be a valuable asset on the Bruins’ fourth line and penalty kill units.
Kastelic played in 63 matches last season with the Senators, scoring five goals, ten points, 63 penalty minutes, and 126 hits. Although he didn’t have a standout offensive year, there’s potential for the 6-foot-3 forward to step up his game in Boston. This was just his third NHL season, and he’s only 25 years old. A change of scenery might be just what he needs to reach his full potential. Boston has a history of helping players reach new heights.
Kastelic Excited to Wear Black and Gold Given Family Ties to the Organization
Kastelic’s departure from his former teammates in Ottawa may have left him feeling a bit down. However, the excitement of joining the Spoked-B quickly lifted his spirits. As for Kastelic and his family, the significance of wearing the Spoked-B and the No. 4 goes beyond just a jersey number, it’s a connection to his grandfather, Pat Stapleton, who proudly wore the same number for the Bruins before Bobby Orr.
“It’s super exciting, I think, for me and my family and everyone around me,” Kastelic said of joining the Bruins. “I mean, you see the “B” and they’re just known worldwide … For me, it’s special that my grandpa played for them for a little bit as well and it’s just really exciting to play for an Original Six. That’s something I think as a player — you always dream about getting that opportunity, and what better place to join a team than Boston.”
Mark Kastelic on getting traded to the #NHLBruins: "I was filled with a ton of excitement to join Boston and join that team I've heard nothing but good things about everybody there." pic.twitter.com/rTijJAs5Md
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 2, 2024
Pat Stapleton, a former Bruins player who skated alongside hockey greats such as Johnny Bucyk from 1961-63, had a successful 15-season career in pro hockey, including 635 NHL games. The 5-foot-8 defenceman received three All-Star selections and placed in the top-five for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defencemen, three times. Stapleton sadly passed away in 2020 at the age of 79, a few years before Kastelic made his NHL debut with the Senators in January 2022.
Good Luck in Boston
Kastelic has been dubbed the “secret weapon” by many. He brings a valuable combination of speed and size to the Boston team, which Cam Neely highlighted as a missing element in the Bruins’ roster. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds, Kastelic is a force to be reckoned with on the ice. In Ottawa, he ranked third in penalty minutes and fourth in hits, showcasing his physical presence. Pairing him with young talents like Johnny Beecher and Justin Brazeau could create an exciting checking unit for the Bruins. With his willingness to drop the gloves, Kastelic has all the makings of a fan favorite in Boston.
The Bruins have definitely acquired a reliable, tough checking forward in Kastelic for their bottom six. Jeremy Swayman leading the charge for Boston’s defence in 2024-25 means Kastelic can expect even better defensive stats in his fresh environment. It will be exciting to witness the type of season he has with the B’s in 2024-25 moving forward.
Main photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
