Hockey fans across various franchises consistently display strong emotions regarding any developments involving their teams. When the Boston Bruins executed a trade sending Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers just ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the reaction was one of sheer astonishment. Despite swirling speculation about Marchand potentially joining a Stanley Cup contender this year, fans believed that these rumors would remain just that—rumors.

General manager Don Sweeney was compelled to make the trade. When questioned about it, he explained, “Just had a gap. Deep down, we had been talking really from day two, I think, of free agency in terms of what his intentions were and where we were at. And we always had a bit of a term gap that took us a while and felt that we had been able to bridge that.”

Sweeney indicated that he and Marchand maintained regular communication, yet the circumstances ultimately resulted in the trade. It’s no surprise that supporters felt this way. As the regular season nears its conclusion, Bruins fans are shifting their focus to a different player. Especially for the NHL Hart Memorial Trophy, moving away from Marchand. So, who is the individual in question?

On X, @benchrates reported, “David Pastrnak is the absolute league leader by iCF (533).” It’s Pasta; that explains everything! This season, the Czech NHL player has participated in 67 games with the Bruins, achieving 34 goals, 48 assists, and a total of 82 points. How is the Hart Memorial Trophy awarded?

Throughout the regular season, the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association considers a player a top contender when he emerges as the standout contributor and earns the title of the team’s MVP multiple times. What criteria establish this? The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA) casts its votes to determine the winner. Then based on a tally of points awarded to players through the voting process. The announcement of the winner typically occurs during the NHL Awards, following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup. The league frequently awards it to top-tier forwards.

Has Pastrnak won this trophy before? Not quite.

In the 2022-23 season, as the Bruins showcased their dominance throughout the regular season. In which, Pasta emerged as one of the three finalists for the prestigious trophy. But ultimately, Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid became the winner of the award. In the ongoing season, the Bruins forward holds the fourth position in goals, marking him as one of the top scorers in the NHL. What are the possibilities, and how do the fans feel about this?

Focusing their attention from Brad Marchand to David Pastrnak

Brad Marchand certainly made his mark during his tenure with the Boston Bruins. Following his trade to a different franchise, Bruins fans are now rallying behind one of their own. Now, hoping to see David Pastrnak lift that coveted trophy. A fan expressed, “Pastrnak doesn’t just belong in the Hart Trophy discussion, he should be a legitimate contender.” Despite some uncertainty, this fan maintains their faith in the Czech hockey player, expressing, “This is the ‘problem’ I have as a Bs fan….If by some miracle this team makes it to the dance Pasta should win the Hart. Zero debate in my mind BUT This team needs a high draft pick like I need air.”

This supporter expresses a desire for Pasta to emerge victorious but identifies a concern, remarking, “Unfortunately all awards now are just based on goals and assists, not on what the award truly means.” But how much did Marchand contribute to the Bruins? Let’s examine the current season closely. Marchand played 61 games before an injury sidelined him, recording 21 goals, provided 26 assists, and 47 points. H0wever, that’s just one season.

Marchand has dedicated 16 seasons to the Bruins. He has participated in 1,090 games and achieving 422 goals, 554 assists, and a total of 976 points. He played an essential role within the team, yet the trade was inevitable. A fan compared the scenario to Pastrnak’s chances of winning the trophy, saying, “To bad we don’t have the record if we sneak in the playoffs some how some way that happens I think that’s the only way he gets considered but he should be one with out that.” A different supporter commented, “If they make the playoffs, yes, otherwise no,” suggesting that the team’s performance directly influences Pasta’s timely success.

As the regular season draws to a close, it remains to be seen whether the Bruins will clinch a wildcard spot in the playoffs. Nonetheless, Pasta’s performance in these concluding games will be crucial if he aims to secure those votes.