Is David Pastrnak a serious Hart and Rocket Richard Trophy contender in 2025-26? | NHL News
The Boston Bruins are attempting to rebuild, but David Pastrnak is still their star to build around. Pastrnak is currently one of the best scorers in the league, having registered 43 goals and 106 points even with the changes to the Boston roster and the departure of key veterans. Pastrnak’s consistency for the Bruins raises a very important question for the 2025-2026 season: with the Czech winger in the mix, can he realistically aim for the Hart and Rocket Richard trophies while also trying to help the Bruins return to playoff contention in the midst of a transition?
David Pastrnak’s path towards the Hart Trophy as the Bruins’ most valuable player
As the NHL’s most valuable player, the award holder of the Hart Trophy must have immense talent and achievement, something Pastrnak has already demonstrated. In the 2024-25 season, he had 49 more points than the second-best Bruins forward, Morgan Geekie. This level of performance attests to the extent of reliance Boston has on his output.
Players don’t necessarily have to lead in goals to bag the Hart Trophy. A perfect example is Taylor Hall. His leadership during New Jersey’s 2017-18 playoff push secured the Devils’ first series berth in four years. If Pastrnak propels the Bruins into the playoffs, he might be seen as the team’s true “heart” instead of just a leading scorer.
Pastrnak’s chances of winning the 2025-26 Rocket Richard Trophy
The Bruins winger has always been a top goal scorer in the NHL. He won the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2019-20 with 48 goals, sharing it with Alexander Ovechkin. He is now fourth in the betting odds for the 2025-26 NHL goals leader, adding further evidence to his elite scoring status.To succeed, Pastrnak’s brilliance must be complemented by teammates such as Elias Lindholm, Pavel Zacha, Casey Mittelstadt, and Geekie. All have proven to be capable offensively, and their ability to set up Pastrnak will be critical to his scoring surge.Also Read: Scott Morrow could be the New York Rangers’ breakout defensemanWith the team in transition, David Pastrnak continues to be one of the most dynamic forwards in the game today. If he can make an impact drive and bring the Bruins back to relevancy, it will not be unimaginable that he will go in for the Hart as well as the Rocket Richard trophies in 2025-26.
