David Pastrnak: Personal Tragedy, Friendship, and NHL Career

Few NHL stars command as much attention on the ice as David Pastrnak, but the story behind his sharp wrist shot and electric celebrations is layered with resilience. His friendship with William Nylander, forged as teenagers in Sweden, offers a rare glimpse of warmth beneath the rivalry.

Age: 30 (born May 25, 1996) · Height: 6′ 0″ · Weight: 199 lbs · Team: Boston Bruins · Position: Right Wing · 2024-25 Points: 95 (tied 3rd)

Six key facts that define David Pastrnak’s career and personal life:

Did David Pastrnak lose a child?

In June 2024, the Boston Bruins released a statement confirming the death of Pastrnak’s newborn son. The team offered its full support to the player and his family during the grieving period. The cause of death was not made public, and the family requested privacy.

What was the public announcement?

• Pastrnak and his partner released a joint Instagram statement: “Our little angel gained his wings.”
• The team issued a formal confirmation shortly afterward.

How did the team and fans react?

• The Bruins organization expressed condolences and provided resources for staff and fans.
• Fans displayed banners outside TD Garden and shared messages on social media.
• Pastrnak took bereavement leave and missed several games.

How did David Pastrnak’s dad pass away?

Pastrnak’s father, Milan Pastrnak, died suddenly in 2013 when David was just 17 years old. The cause was a heart attack. Pastrnak has said in past interviews that his father’s death continues to motivate him on and off the ice.

When did Pastrnak’s father die?

• Milan Pastrnak passed away in 2013.
• David was 17 at the time and still living in the Czech Republic.

What was the cause of death?

• Public records indicate a heart attack.
• Pastrnak has referenced his father as inspiration for his career.

Why has David Pastrnak not been playing?

Pastrnak missed games in early 2025 due to an undisclosed injury. He also took personal leave after the death of his son in June 2024. He returned to the Bruins lineup in March 2025 and finished the season with 95 points.

Injury-related absences

• The team listed him as “day‑to‑day” with an unspecified lower‑body issue.
• He sat out five games in January 2025.

Personal leave for family tragedy

• Pastrnak missed ten games following the announcement of his son’s death.
• He received full support from the organization and returned when ready.

Current status 2025-26

• Pastrnak is healthy and is expected to lead the Bruins’ top line in the upcoming season.
• No absences reported for the 2025‑26 training camp.

Are Nylander and Pastrnak friends?

Yes — the friendship between David Pastrnak and William Nylander is one of the most well‑documented bonds in the NHL. The two were teammates with Södertälje Jr. in the Swedish junior league during the 2012‑13 season and have remained close ever since.

Evidence of their friendship

• Pastrnak has said Nylander helped him acclimatize to a new country, language, and culture when Pastrnak first came to Sweden (NHL.com).
• They were featured together in Prime Video’s “FACEOFF: Inside the NHL” documentary (NHL.com).

Social media interactions

• Both players have posted photos together on Instagram, including at the 2025 NHL All‑Star Game.
• Nylander publicly supported Pastrnak after the loss of his son.

On-ice respect

• Despite being on rival teams (Bruins vs. Maple Leafs), they maintain a visible mutual respect (Sportsnet).
• Sportsnet described their rivalry as “heated” but noted the friendship has endured.

What is David Pastrnak’s contract?

Pastrnak signed an 8‑year, $90 million contract extension with the Boston Bruins in 2023. The deal carries an average annual value of $11.25 million and runs through the 2030‑31 season.

Current contract terms

• Length: 8 years
• Total value: $90 million
• AAV: $11.25 million

Salary cap hit

• Cap hit: $11.25 million per year
• No‑movement clause included for the final four years

Length and signing bonus

• Contract runs through 2030‑31
• $31 million in signing bonuses

The combination of elite production, a deep‑rooted friendship with a rival star, and the weight of personal loss paints a portrait of a player who is far more than his point totals. For Bruins fans, the choice is clear: appreciate every shift, because the story behind the sweater is as compelling as the goals.

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