The second half of the 2024-25 NHL season has not been kind to the Boston Bruins. Yet, things came crashing down when the Bruins attempted to switch up the roster as a last resort to breathe some life into the team. The biggest shock in their attempts at revitalization came when they traded their captain and 16-season veteran, Brad Marchand, in the dying hours of the trade window.

Yet that wasn’t the end of their troubles. Charlie McAvoy, another talented defenseman who could’ve anchored the team with his experience, has been out due to a serious shoulder injury since the Four Nations Face-Off. Besides being one of the best friends of former captain Marchand, McAvoy earned the honor of becoming alternate captain for Team USA during the 4 Nations tournament.

Yet, during his prolonged absence, another face has emerged as a deserving candidate. And that’s none other than David Pastrnak, the man who just reached the 100-point season milestone on Tuesday. With just three matches left in the regular season, the Bruins have finally shown some signs of life, winning two of their final three games. And guess what? Pastrnak has been the architect behind those recent wins.

In fact, David Pastrnak has either assisted or directly scored the team’s last 11 goals (team record). So now, after reaching the 100-point milestone for the third NHL season in a row, the 28-year-old has certainly left a mark on Bruins fans. So much so, that many now believe Pastrnak has what it takes to lead this team moving forward. “I was on team McAvoy, but Pasta has won me over. 88 definitely deserves the C,” one fan commented on a Reddit thread discussing the topic.

Yes! David Pastrnak has even started winning over those who thought Charlie McAvoy would be the heir to the throne Marchand left empty. After all, getting selected for the Team USA roster amongst a massive talent pool is not easy. What’s more? Charlie McAvoy even lived up to the hype with his aggressive play style helping the USA get a win over eventual champions Canada. But then the injury happened, and the void that Marchand left persisted before Pastrnak took over.

Making all the right moves for the Boston Bruins fans

Nearly every fan had a slightly different reason as to why they would now pick the 28-year-old to become the new Bruins’ captain. However, most had one thing in common: They saw Charlie McAvoy as the next in line before his injury. “I think he definitely will next year. I would’ve leaned towards Chuck, but with him being out, Pasta had to really step up in a leadership role,” commented a fan.

There is a good reason why they saw McAvoy as the next leader for the Boston Bruins. The 27-year-old made quite the defensive duo alongside Brad Marchand. Besides, he has been consistent in scoring goals, notching assists, and even penalty minutes. Take McAvoy’s current season, for example. As a defenseman, he had already scored seven goals in 50 games, before the injury.

Yet despite McAvoy’s consistency, Pastrnak’s number on the ice has blown the fans away. “He has been backchecking, setting up other teammates, and taking games over. The whole team has been on his back, and they have been responding in turn. Mac is good, but he is not living up to the contract,” one fan stated in favor of Pastrnak.

However, David Pastrnak’s performance over the seasons has been far more than impressive. In fact, his most recent achievement has put the 28-year-old in exclusive company among Boston Bruins legends. Who are those legends, you ask? They are none other than Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr. Only these two Bruins icons have scored 100 points for three consecutive seasons.

Yet, Pastrnak has remained humble despite achieving something so rare. “Obviously, very honored — it’s not easy in this league. But at the same time, I feel like that’s my job,” the hockey player told reporters after the game. Yet it’s not just the points. Despite the Bruins’ brutal, 2024-25 season, the NHL star has surpassed the 40-goal season mark for the fourth time in a row.

It’s the humbleness coupled with his ability to dominate the ice that’s winning over fans. “Sometimes captains are selected because they lead the team on the ice vs. off the ice. Pasta is making a case right now that he is clearly leading the room on the ice,” concluded one fan. Meanwhile, others believe that the Boston Bruins forward’s transformation into a budding leader started long before the team’s current crisis.

“I thought it was Charlie’s team for sure, but this year and honestly since 88 went out and fought Tkachuk, he has been THE guy,” commented one fan. That faith the fan referred to happened last season when the otherwise disciplined Pastrnak took the fight to Panthers captain and on-ice fight veteran Matthew Tkachuk. Yet, with that being said, Charlie McAvoy isn’t out of the conversation.

The recent success has also coincided with Charlie McAvoy’s return. Although the player isn’t playing just yet, he is with the team. Why? That’s because McAvoy has been one of the positive influences on the new Bruins members off the ice.

“To be a part of the group every day, to try and set an example, to try and get closer every day with these guys, to build relationships—that’s what I’m identifying right now as really what I’m trying to accomplish,” he said in early April. Yet. What’s your take? Who do you believe should be the Boston Bruins’ next captain? Write your views in the comments.