We have at least a little more clarity when it comes to David Pastrnak missing practices.
J.P. Barry, the agent for the star Bruins wing, tells Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic that Pastrnak has tested negative for COVID-19, but that he is under quarantine after coming into contact with someone who tested positive.
Pastrnak missed Monday and Tuesday's practices while wrapping up his international quarantine protocols, but was cleared to return to Warrior Ice Arena for a small group practice on Wednesday. He was expected to join the rest of his teammates for a full-team practice on Thursday, but has instead missed both Thursday and Friday's practices as well.
According to Shinzawa, Thursday morning was when the team learned of Pastrnak's contact with the individual who tested positive. How much more time Pastrnak will miss remains unknown.
Fellow right wing and Czech native Ondrej Kase has followed a similar trajectory as Pastrnak, missing Monday and Tuesday's practices, returning for an individual session Wednesday, then missing Thursday and Friday. The reason for Kase's absence remains unconfirmed, but there is reason to believe Pastrnak and Kase have spent some time together recently, so it wouldn't be surprising if it's for similar reasons.
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy was asked Friday about two rumors involving Pastrnak and Kase -- one that they had recently skated at a different local rink (which Shinzawa reports is not permitted under the NHL's return to play protocol), and another that they were out in the North End over the weekend.
Cassidy made it clear that Pastrnak and Kase's absences were not discipline-related, which Barry's revelation would confirm. In his answer, though, Cassidy also said, "We've asked all our players, each and every one, common sense and try to do the right thing as much as possible so you don't put yourself or your teammates at risk."
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