Can the Bruins Build a Contender Around David Pastrňák?
Written by Gina Anton
David Pastrňák has done his part over the years. The Boston Bruins' biggest question heading into training camp is whether the rest of the roster can finally give him enough help to turn another elite individual season into a legitimate playoff run.
Pastrňák finished 2025-26 with 100 points in 77 games, including a career-high 71 assists, giving him at least 100 points in four consecutive seasons. He remains one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive players, but Boston cannot afford to keep relying on him as its primary source of offense.
That is why the addition of JJ Peterka could be one of the most important developments heading into camp. The 24-year-old winger has scored at least 25 goals in each of his last three seasons and is expected to get an opportunity alongside Pastrňák. If Peterka can become the consistent scoring threat Boston has lacked next to its star winger, the Bruins' offense could look very different.
But one new winger cannot solve everything.
Pastrňák Needs a Supporting Cast
The gap between Pastrňák and the rest of Boston's offense has been too significant for too long. He led the Bruins with 100 points last season, while the team's next-highest scorer finished with 68. That kind of imbalance makes it difficult for Boston to consistently compete against deeper teams, particularly in the Atlantic Division.
The Bruins have spent the offseason trying to address that problem. Peterka gives them another legitimate top-six option, while younger players such as James Hagens could inject more skill and speed into the lineup. Boston also returns key pieces such as Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman as it tries to build on last season's 100-point campaign.
The talent is there to make the roster more dangerous. Now it has to translate.
Training Camp Could Set the Tone
This is where the Bruins cannot afford another season of waiting for everything to come together. Boston made the playoffs last season after missing them in 2024-25, and head coach Marco Sturm has already made it clear that the team still has work to do. He specifically pointed to training camp as an important starting point for taking the next step.
That next step should be obvious.
The Bruins need to determine who can consistently produce behind Pastrňák, whether Peterka can thrive in a top-line role, and which of their younger players are ready to contribute immediately. If those answers are positive, Boston has a chance to become more than a team simply trying to sneak into the postseason.
If they aren't, Pastrňák could once again be asked to carry too much of the offense.
Boston’s Stanley Cup Window Is Still Open
Pastrňák is still producing at an elite level. He is still capable of driving an offense and changing a game on his own. The Bruins have added pieces around him, and they now have an opportunity to build on a 100-point season rather than start over.
That makes the 2026-27 season especially important.
Boston does not need Pastrňák to become something he isn't. It needs the players around him to become reliable enough that opponents cannot simply focus on stopping No. 88.
If Peterka delivers, the young players take another step and the Bruins' secondary scoring improves, Boston could finally give Pastrňák the kind of supporting cast his production deserves. If not, Boston could once again struggle to get enough production from the players around him.
