Before his first media availability of the new season on Thursday, Bruins star David Pastrnak gave a statement thanking his teammates, the organization and Boston fans for their support throughout this offseason after his newborn son passed away on June 23.
"On behalf of myself and my girlfriend Rebecca, we just want to thank everybody from our whole family to my teammates, our players and the whole organization and all the fans for the support," Pastrnak said.
"It's been a tough time we're going through and still going through. Obviously we have your support, guys, so that goes to you guys as well. For all the support around the league and the fans, from my family and her family, we thank you so much. We are excited to start the season off and I can't wait for tonight's game."
Pastrnak is set to make his preseason debut Thursday night against the Flyers at TD Garden, playing alongside usual linemates Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. The Bruins' top players had all sat out the team's first two preseason games.
One top player who is no longer with the Bruins is of course David Krejci, a fellow Czech whom Pastrnak has always looked up to and someone who quickly became a close friend when Pastrnak began his Bruins career. Pastrnak addressed Krejci's departure and acknowledged things will be different without him.
"It's going to be really something different," Pastrnak said. "I'm used to having him all the time as my idol-slash-best friend. Always had him here. When I didn't know what to do, he was always there for me. Obviously I'm going to miss him tons and I'll stay in contact. I know he's having a hell of a time back home in Czech and well deserved, playing in front of his family and friends and showing his kids and his wife around where he grew up. I'm so happy for him, but obviously going to miss him a ton."
