Milan Lucic Makes A Bold Claim About This Bruins Player

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Austin Sabourin
September 9, 2023 (1:42 PM)

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Milan Lucic, who returned to his roots with the Bruins in 2007, hit the ice with his new Boston teammates during 'Captain's' practice. After the session, Lucic shared his thoughts with the Boston media, expressing his deep appreciation for being back in the city he considers a second home. He also couldn't help but praise his former linemate, David Pastrnak, who had an incredible season with 61 goals and 113 points, narrowly missing out on the 2023 Hart Trophy to Connor McDavid.

Reflecting on his time mentoring Pastrnak during the rookie's 2014-15 season, Lucic was asked if he views Pastrnak in the same elite category as McDavid. Lucic replied,

"Different players; much different players. But what 'Pasta' has been able to do the last couple of years has been really impressive..."

He continued,

"I think he's definitely up there with the tops of the league like the McDavid's, and [Auston] Matthews, and [Leon] Draisaitl's and all those guys... You don't score 60 goals by accident."

Lucic, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 230 pounds, has enjoyed watching Pastrnak's growth from afar. He's confident that Pastrnak, now 27, will continue to improve as he embarks on his eight-year, $90 million contract with the Bruins this season.

"I saw the hockey sense; I saw that he was more than just a pure scorer," Lucic remarked. "He does make plays, he's got a great hockey sense... It's been great to see him grow."

Via bostonhockeynow