The Boston Bruins 2024-25 season will end on April 15 and it’s been a season to forget as they miss the playoffs for the first time in 9 years. While the team has been terrible, one player has been great: David Pastrnak .
In what’s been the best hockey of his career, Pastrnak is making noise not just for his individual numbers but for his Hart Trophy case. Playing on a team with no other high end talent, Pastrnak is still putting up numbers and leaving teammates like Jakub Lauko in awe and even sparking debate about his MVP candidacy.
Pastrnak Joins Elite Franchise Company
On Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils David Pastrnak made Bruins history by becoming only the third player in franchise history after Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito to score three 100 point seasons in a row .
This is a cruel joke for Pastrnak who is having career numbers on a team that is going to finish last in the league. So the questions are: Should Pastrnak be considered for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player?
Teammate Jakub Lauko Backs Pastrnak’s Hart Case
Jakub Lauko didn’t beat around the bush when talking about Pastrnak’s season.
“I saw some stats, like he has the most 5-on-5 points and primary [points], which is nuts,” Lauko told Boston.com. “I think he should be in the Hart—because I don’t know where we’d be without him. And I think that’s the definition of Hart, right? The most valuable player for the team.”
Lauko said Pastrnak isn’t just carrying the Bruins—he’s doing so while making those around him better.
“And I think he’s still one of the most important players, not just for our team, but maybe in the whole NHL,” Lauko said. “There’s a couple other guys you can say the same about. But just look at his stats and what he’s doing. Like, he should be up there.”
Why Pastrnak’s Hart Case Faces Challenges?
Pastrnak’s numbers are impressive but he’s got competition from Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay) and Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton). Those guys have more points and are leading their teams into the playoffs which is a big factor for Hart Trophy voters.
Historically playing on a non-playoff team has been a big hurdle for MVP candidates. Take Erik Karlsson’s 2022-23 season for example. He had 101 points and his team was last in the league. He got minimal Hart Trophy votes. Instead, he won the Norris Trophy, a testament to his defensive play rather than his value as an MVP candidate.
For Pastrnak, it feels like the same situation. Despite his heroics the Bruins not making the playoffs may overshadow his individual numbers when awards season comes around.
Pastrnak’s Stats Speak for Themselves
What makes Pastrnak’s season even more impressive is the context. Unlike his previous 100-point campaigns, which came on stacked rosters, this year’s Bruins lack depth and star power. Yet, Pastrnak has thrived regardless.
- League-Leading Stats:
- 62 points at 5-on-5, four ahead of second-place Nikita Kucherov.
- 51 primary points (goals + primary assists), tops in the NHL.
- Dominance Over Teammates:
After Tuesday’s three-point performance, Pastrnak now holds a staggering 47-point lead over Boston’s second-leading scorer, Morgan Geekie. - Historic Feat:
Pastrnak became just the fourth player in NHL history —and the first since 1999—to have a hand in 13 consecutive goals for his team, joining legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Jaromir Jagr.
Even on a Bruins power play that ranks 29th in the league with a dismal 15.3% success rate , Pastrnak has found ways to produce.
A Leader On and Off the Ice
Beyond the numbers, Pastrnak’s leadership has grown exponentially this season. Lauko pointed out how Pastrnak’s presence is felt throughout the room.
“Normally he’s a couple of levels above us,” Lauko said. “The last few games he’s just making us look like Sunday beer leaguers just hanging around. He definitely took his game to a whole other level with the way he’s playing, especially the last couple of games—it’s been something.”
Lauko continued: “You’re sitting on the bench and you’re looking at him and you just say—‘Holy [expletive].’ Some of the things he’s doing are insane. … But even in the locker room you can tell he’s got a little bit of a different vibe around him. Like when he says something it’s got more weight to it, you know? So yeah, he’s definitely a big leader in the room and especially on the ice.”
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