Pastrnak returns to practice with Bruins

David Pastrnak practiced with the Boston Bruins for the first time in training camp, skating with a small group of teammates at Warrior Ice Arena in Boston on Wednesday.

The forward, who returned to Czech Republic after the NHL season was paused March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, missed the first two practices of training camp. General manager Don Sweeney said Sunday that Pastrnak's return was held up due to quarantine rules for players arriving from Europe.

"[Pastrnak is] always in good shape, so I'm sure he was doing what he needed to do to get ready over there," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said before Pastrnak took the ice. "We didn't monitor them on a daily basis. He looks great. Let's get him on the ice, see how he is. I suspect he'll get right back up to speed."

Pastrnak did not speak to the media Wednesday but is scheduled to Thursday.

Czech native Ondrej Kase also missed Monday and Tuesday because of the quarantine rules. The forward, acquired in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 21, did not take part in the first part of the small-group practice Wednesday, but skated after the main session.

Pastrnak is critical to the Bruins' chances to get back to the Stanley Cup Final, which they lost last season to the St. Louis Blues in Game 7. The Bruins will play in the round-robin portion of the Stanley Cup Qualifers in Toronto, the Eastern Conference hub city, against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers. Boston's first game is against Philadelphia on Aug. 2 at 3 p.m.

Pastrnak, who plays right wing on the Bruins' top line with center Patrice Bergeron and left wing Brad Marchand, scored 48 goals this season to tie Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin for the NHL lead. Pastrnak scored 95 points, tied for third in the NHL with New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin, behind Edmonton Oilers forwards Leon Draisaitl (110) and Connor McDavid (97).

"He's a guy that loves the game, so I'm sure he was around it in some capacity, whether he was rollerblading, skating, firing pucks, whatever he was doing in his spare time," Cassidy said of Pastrnak. "He'll be like the other guys; I'm sure he'll take a little bit of time to get going, but I anticipate he'll pick up where he left off. But time will tell on that part.

"Timing is important this time the year, I think for everybody. Can't help but think it's going to be off a little bit, so the team that gets it back the quickest, the individuals that get it back the quickest [will be in good shape]. Especially with his shot. It will take some time. He's got a great one-timer and his release is second-to-none in the National Hockey League. Let's hope that's up to speed.

"But until he gets out there and plays at a high speed with people around him, it's anybody's guess. But I anticipate he'll be fine."

Most of the Bruins were off the ice Wednesday to take a maintenance day, leaving a small group of mostly young players taking part in practice. Cassidy said he anticipates having a full team Thursday.

"He's an unbelievable talent," center prospect Jack Studnicka said of Pastrnak after practice. "Obviously his year speaks for itself, how he was able to contribute offensively on such a consistent basis. So to see how he practices, he's always moving full speed and always finding ways to be creative and be better. It was definitely fun to share the ice with him."