The Czech Republic got some good news on Saturday when the Bruins announced that they are going to loan star forward David Pastrnak to the Czech team for the 2016 World Junior Championship when the NHL roster freeze is lifted on December 28.
Team Czech Republic will play their second game of the tournament on December 28, though it’s not clear how that will work in relation to the end of the roster freeze at Midnight December 27 and whether Pastrnak will join the team for their next game or if he won’t be available until the game after due to travel.
The Czech team, lead by Michael Spacek, lost their first game of the tournament on Saturday to Team Russia in a shootout.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney added that the hope is for Pastrnak, after the tournament, to be rehabbed completely from the foot injury that has kept him out of the lineup since October 31. The Bruins have had a strong run with Pastrnak out of the lineup, so there must be a sense that they’ll survive without him and are best off having him rejoin the lineup with some confidence following the tournament.
This will also give the Bruins three prospects on the Czech roster with Pastrnak joining Jakub Zboril and Daniel Vladar on the team.
Sweeney: David Pastrnak will be made available to Czech Republic for WJC when roster freeze ends on Dec. 28
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 27, 2015
Last year at the World Junior Championship, Pastrnak had a goal and seven points in five games. His presence will be important to the Czech Republic and boosts their chances at heading home with a medal.
The 19-year-old forward has two goals and four points through 10 games this season.
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