Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak has the skills to become a legend

The Boston Bruins have finally re-signed David Pastrnak, and the young star has the skills to become a Boston Garden legend.

The Bruins are finally holding onto some young talent, as they’ve re-signed forward David Pastrnak to a 6-year deal.

Don Sweeney made it known they wanted Pasta back, as they were sick of seeing their young talent playing elsewhere, like Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton. This time the Bruins front office got things done.

Pastrnak is just 21-years old, and he’s still improving on the ice. He’s now appeared in 172 games for the black and gold over parts of three seasons, and he’s already totaled 59 goals and 64 assists for 123 points. Last season, Pasta was ranked 10th in goals scored and in goals created.

Through this point in Pastrnak’s career, he is on pace with the likes of Henrik Zetterberg and Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Famer Bobby Hull. He could one day surpass some Boston legends as well if he plays his entire career here.

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Patrice Bergeron is the first legend that comes to mind nowadays, as his sweater number will surely be retired when it’s all said and done. While it’s his defense that set him apart, his offense isn’t too shabby either. In his second season, 2005-06, Bergeron had 31 goals and 42 assists, the highest point total of his career (73). Last season, in 6-less games, Pastrnak had 70 points. He’s still getting better. He will without a doubt surpass Bergeron’s offensive numbers over his career, and he can be the next Boston Bruins leader to bring a Stanley Cup to the Hub.

Cam Neely is another player with his number retired in the Garden rafters. The former right-winger was surely critical in bringing Pastrnak back to Boston, and I’m sure he hopes David becomes an even better player than he was. Neely is a Hall of Famer and 4-time All-Star, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Pasta makes more All-Star performances. For now, Pastrnak is right on track with Neely. At age 21, Neely had 72 points in 1986-87, and he continued to get better. His career high in points came at age 24, in 1989-90. Neely tallied 55 goals and 37 assists for 92 total points. Pastrnak is on track to reach that same level of production three years from now.

Next: Pasternak inks 3-year deal to stay in Boston

So, while you may have found the title and subject of this article outrageous, can you see where I’m drawing that conclusion from? I would not at all be surprised if Pastrnak’s #88 is being raised to the rafters at TD Garden years from now when he’s retired and has delivered a Stanley Cup or two to Boston. Pastrnak is going to become a top-tier player in the NHL, and I’m glad he’s going to be doing it in a Boston Bruins uniform.

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