Huge Update On David Pastrnak's Surgery Recovery

David Pastrnak, the pride and joy of the Boston Bruins, underwent a right hip arthroscopy and labral repair on September 16th, 2020. The expected recovery time for this surgery is roughly five months, setting his return date in the middle of February. The Bruins have provided an update on his recovery.

How many of you passed on Pastrnak in your fantasy draft because he was expected to miss nearly half of the shortened regular season? Bad decision. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy told the Boston media that Pastrnak could make his season debut as early as this weekend.

Pastrnak is now skating pain free and is taking contact in practice. He is very close to being game ready, but Cassidy confirmed that he will not play against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday evening.

Took contact, which was the next step in his progression. This week we'll see how he handles that. Then, if it foes well and he wakes up the next day, depending on how much contact he needs, and doesn't feel any after-effects then we'll consider putting him in the lineup. I don't suspect he will play on Thursday, but he'll probably travel with us and go from there. Good news on him, but let's see how he does.

Pastrnak is clearly eager to get back in game mode. After co-winning the Rocket Richard Trophy last season with Alex Ovechkin, Pastrnak is hoping to pick up where he left off.

The closer it gets, the harder it gets. A lot of excitement. It's been a long road. I'm itching to get out there. It's been a good day today. Full practice with the boys and practice with some bodies besides myself. Hopefully I get more good days like today.

🎥DAVID PASTRNAK🎥

David Pastrnak met with the media following today’s morning skate to speak on his injury & returning to play. #NHLBruins

⚡️: @betonline_ag

WATCH: https://t.co/CADvtN4lZA pic.twitter.com/9jA6nfoB7q
— Boston Bruins on CLNS (@BruinsCLNS) January 25, 2021

#NHLBruins Coach Bruce Cassidy with an update on David Pastrnak going from non-contact to contact Jersey Monday in practice.

Cassidy later added Pasta will go right back on line with Bergeron and Marchand.

Also - updates on Bergie, Kase and Grzelcyk@wbz #wbz

Via @NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/6pqI3C8Oly
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) January 25, 2021

Bruins’ David Pastrnak hits the ice for full contact, may return to action by this weekend https://t.co/wJGEA1TA92
— Boston Globe Sports (@BGlobeSports) January 26, 2021

David Pastrnak was looking ice cold in his @dunkindonuts sweats. https://t.co/kZPyfENnbc
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) January 27, 2021