The Boston Bruins made it official on Saturday: David Pastrnak will be allowed to play for the Czech Republic in the 2016 World Juniors.
That won’t be an immediate move, it seems, as it appears that the loan would kick in following the roster freeze on Dec. 28.
If all comes to pass - CSNNE.com’s Joe Haggerty mentions that injuries have the potential to be a caveat - the ideal scenario for Boston would be Pastrnak getting the same boost this time around that he seemed to generate from a strong WJC experience last year.
Sweeney said the goal is for Pastrnak to be ready to return to NHL lineup when WJC concludes
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 27, 2015
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
Injuries and the occasional moment in Claude Julien’s doghouse have meant for a rocky start to Pastrnak’s season, but perhaps this will be a springboard for him once more?