Johnny "Chief" Bucyk's Bruins franchise goal-scoring record of 545 has long seemed pretty safe. But could one current Bruin be the man who eventually challenges it?
Still in his early prime years, David Pastrnak could surpass Bucyk's franchise record by averaging around 36.5 goals for the next 10 seasons. If he sticks around even longer than that, the average could obviously be a little lower.
There are two big ifs, of course: if he stays healthy, and if he stays in Boston. But if those things happen, the record will be well within reach for the Czech superstar.
As he prepares for his 2021 season debut, potentially as early as Saturday, Pastrnak, 24, has already collected 180 goals and 199 assists for 379 points in 390 regular season games played. He has scored 34 or more goals in each of the past four seasons.
He was on pace for 45 goals in 2018-19 had it not been for an injury (he still finished with 38) and was well on his way to surpass 50 goals last season before it was prematurely ended by the pandemic. Pastrnak earned his first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer with 48.
What separates Pastrnak from average goal scorers is the variety of ways he can find the back of the net. His combination of skill, will, anticipation, adaptation, improvisation, hockey IQ, and execution are all needed to score goals, whether it be a quick release on the forehand or backhand, a one-timer, breakaway, or rebound.
Many players possess some of the above attributes and as a result are adequate goal-scorers, but to be an elite goal-scorer, one must be the total package. And make no mistake about it, Pastrnak is the total goal scoring package.
If he hangs around long enough -- right now he's locked up through the 2022-23 season -- he'll eventually have to adapt to new linemates whenever Patrice Bergeron, 35, and Brad Marchand, 32, eventually retire.
Those two may be able to make their own runs at third (Rick Middleton, 402) or even second (Phil Esposito, 459), but Bucyk's 545 would seem highly unlikely. Bergeron is currently fifth at 355, while Marchand is seventh at 294.
Instead it is Pastrnak who has the best chance to make a real run at the top spot. While Bergeron and Marchand have always been good players, they took a little while to develop into elite scorers. Pastrnak was already at that level by age 20, though. Now he just needs Bergeron and Marchand's longevity.
So enjoy watching No. 88, because when he ultimately hangs up his skates, hopefully many years from now, he may be doing so as the greatest goal-scorer to ever wear the black and gold.
