David Pastrnak Named 2020 Czech Player of the Year, Ties Jaromir Jagr’s Record

Today, it was announced that 24-year-old Bruins winger David Pastrnak has been awarded the Golden Hockey Stick as the 2020 Czech Player of the Year. This is Pastrnak’s fourth consecutive win, which ties Jaromir Jagr for the most such wins in its history. He received 51 out of the 52 first-place votes this year, which is well deserved. He was miles better than any other Czech NHL player this season, and frankly than most players in the league. This is not Pastrnak’s only award this year. He’s the co-winner of the NHL’s Rocket Richard Trophy with Alex Ovechkin for the most goals scored in the league.

2019-20 Season

If it weren’t for the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastrnak easily would’ve had well over 50 goals and 100 points this season. He was very close to those thresholds in just 70 games. His 48 goals are tied for the league lead with Alex Ovechkin, and his 95 points are good for fourth. Also, both of these stats were career highs for Pastrnak. Since the regular season is over, Pastrnak will, unfortunately, have to wait another year to hit those milestones. But, he should have no trouble with them next season.

The Future Is Bright

Pastrnak’s growth over the past few seasons has been nothing short of incredible. While he had a slower start to his career, he started to break out in 2017-18 with 0.98 points per game. Since then, that number has only continued to grow. For the past two seasons, he has been well over a PPG player (1.22 in 2018-19 and 1.35 this season). At just 24, he’s only going to get better for the next few seasons, much to the delight of Bruins fans and horror of the rest of the league. His talent combined with his infectious personality makes him one of the league’s most likable stars, and the Bruins and their fans are extremely lucky to have him.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Pastrnak will likely make history next year and win the award again, breaking Jagr’s record. There just seems to be nothing that can stop him.

– Lydia Murray (@lydia_murray12)

Photo Credit: Karel Svec/Czech Hockey