David Pastrnak and Ondrej Kase held out of Bruins practice
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
A day after making his post-COVID debut with the team, David Pastrnak was held out of Bruins practice Thursday afternoon. Trade deadline acquisition Ondrej Kase missed the session as well after skating on Wednesday.
Head coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters that the players were “unfit to participate,” but that he hopes that will change “in the near future.”
Pastrnak’s planned video call with reporters was also canceled.
Both players had been held out of practice previously as an ‘extended quarantine’ when returning to Boston from Europe.
Oct 14, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) celebrates his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Pastrnak has been at the center of the Bruins success this season. The 24-year-old was tied for the league lead with 48 goals when play shut down in March.
Kase was acquired by the Bruins ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline for a package that included David Backes and a first-round pick. He played just six games with the B’s this season.
The Bruins are scheduled to return to play August 2 against the Flyers in the NHL’s Toronto bubble. That gives Pastrnak and Kase 17 days to get ready for the opener.
