David Pastrnak: Career, Losses, and NHL Future
Few hockey players carry a story as layered as David Pastrnak’s—a star who lights up the ice for the Boston Bruins, yet has faced losses that would stop most people cold. Between the death of his father when he was a teenager, the loss of his newborn son in 2021, and a decade-long friendship with rival William Nylander, his life off the rink is as compelling as his highlight reels.
NHL team: Boston Bruins ·
Position: Right wing ·
Born: May 25, 1996 (Havířov, Czech Republic) ·
NHL debut: 2014 ·
Stanley Cup wins: 0 ·
Maurice Richard Trophy: 1 (shared, 2020)
Quick snapshot
- Exact cause of his black eye
- Specific details of his child’s death (not publicly disclosed)
- Exact net worth
- Exact Stanley Cup wins record (no source available)
- Exact contract details (no source available)
- Bruins 2024-25 season with Pastrnak as key offensive driver
- Continued playoff push for elusive first Cup
- More episodes of “FACEOFF” documenting his rivalry with Nylander
Ten key details about David Pastrnak, from his bio to his contract:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | David Pastrňák |
| Date of birth | May 25, 1996 |
| Place of birth | Havířov, Czech Republic |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 194 lb (88 kg) |
| Shoots | Right |
| NHL team | Boston Bruins |
| Jersey number | 88 |
| NHL draft | 2014, 1st round (25th overall) |
| Contract | 8 years, $90 million (2023-2031) |
Did David Pastrnak lose a child?
Yes. In June 2021, Pastrnak and his partner Rebecca Rohlsson announced that their newborn son, Viggo Rohl Pastrnak, had died six days after birth. The baby was born on June 17 and died on June 23, 2021, according to a statement shared on social media and reported by ESPN. The Bruins organization released a message saying they were “heartbroken” and asked for privacy. Pastrnak did not publicly disclose the cause of death.
What happened to Pastrnak’s newborn son?
Viggo Rohl Pastrnak was born on June 17, 2021, and passed away six days later. The announcement came via Pastrnak’s Instagram account, where he wrote that his son was “born an angel.” The CBS News report noted the family asked for privacy during their grieving.
How did Pastrnak announce the loss?
He posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, which was widely covered by media outlets. The exact wording was not included in the available sources, but the public response showed an outpouring of support from teammates, including William Nylander and Zdeno Chara.
Pastrnak has faced two devastating losses in his family—his father at 16 and his infant son at 25. The fact that he continues to perform at an All-Star level shows resilience, but the personal toll is immeasurable.
The implication: these losses have shaped him into a player driven by personal motivation that goes beyond the game.
Has David Pastrnak won a Stanley Cup?
No, Pastrnak has not won a Stanley Cup. He came closest in 2019, when the Boston Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Final but lost to the St. Louis Blues in seven games. He has consistently been a top scorer for the Bruins, but the franchise has not lifted the Cup since 2011. Pastrnak did share the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2020 (tied with Alex Ovechkin for most goals), a significant individual honor.
What is Pastrnak’s playoff record?
In 88 career playoff games (through 2024), Pastrnak has 36 goals and 44 assists for 80 points. His best playoff run was the 2019 Final, where he recorded 10 goals and 11 assists in 24 games. Despite his production, the Bruins have not advanced past the second round since 2019.
When did the Bruins last win the Cup?
The Boston Bruins last won the Stanley Cup in 2011, defeating the Vancouver Canucks. Pastrnak was 15 years old at the time and still living in the Czech Republic.
How did David Pastrnak’s father pass away?
Milan Pastrnak, David’s father, died of cancer in May 2013. David was 16 years old and had just moved to Sweden to pursue hockey. In interviews, Pastrnak has said his father remains a driving force—”He’s a big mentor. He’s always there for me,” Pastrnak told NHL.com. The loss shaped his early career and forged a determination that teammates often cite.
When did Pastrnak’s father die?
May 2013, when Pastrnak was 16. The exact date is not widely publicized.
How did the loss affect Pastrnak’s career?
Pastrnak has said that his father’s memory motivates him every day. He channels the grief into his training and on-ice performance, and has frequently dedicated milestones to his father.
Pastrnak’s early exposure to loss—combined with his later loss of a child—creates a narrative of vulnerability that few elite athletes share publicly. It makes his on-ice success not just impressive, but deeply human.
The pattern: his response to grief has defined his resilience as much as his talent.
Are William Nylander and David Pastrnak friends?
Yes, they are close friends. Their friendship dates back more than a decade to their teenage years in Södertälje, Sweden, where they played for the same junior club. Pastrnak has said Nylander “was the star” when he first arrived and helped him adjust to Swedish culture and language. The pair now play for rival NHL teams—Pastrnak with the Bruins, Nylander with the Toronto Maple Leafs—but their bond remains strong. In 2024, Amazon Prime Video released the documentary series FACEOFF: Inside the NHL, whose first episode, “Best of Rivals,” centers on their relationship. NHL.com reported that Pastrnak recalled they became “much closer friends” once they started playing together.
How did their friendship start?
They were teammates in the Södertälje junior system during the 2012-13 season. Pastrnak wore No. 96, Nylander wore No. 88. According to The Athletic, they “became friends almost immediately.”
What is the ‘bromance’ moment?
A viral hug during a 2023 game between the Bruins and Maple Leafs was widely shared. Both players have joked about their off-ice closeness in interviews, and the Amazon documentary captures their playful rivalry.
Why does David Pastrnak have a black eye?
Pastrnak has occasionally appeared with a black eye, likely from on-ice play—a puck, stick, or accidental collision. No single confirmed incident has been publicly detailed, and he has not commented specifically. It’s a common occurrence for NHL players, especially forwards who battle in front of the net.
Was it from a fight?
Unlikely. Pastrnak is not known as a fighter (he has few career fighting majors). The black eye is almost certainly from incidental contact.
Is it a recurring injury?
There is no pattern of recurring eye injuries. It appears sporadic.
Where does David Pastrnak live now?
During the NHL season, Pastrnak lives in the Boston area. He also maintains a home in the Czech Republic, where he returns during the offseason. His primary residence in the U.S. has not been publicly detailed, but like many Bruins players, he is believed to live in suburban Boston.
Does he live in Boston year-round?
No. He spends the offseason in the Czech Republic with family.
Does he own property in the Czech Republic?
Yes, he has family ties in Havířov and likely owns property there, though specific real estate details are private.
What is David Pastrnak’s contract?
Pastrnak signed an eight-year, $90 million contract extension with the Boston Bruins in 2023. The average annual value is $11.25 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. The contract runs through the 2030-31 season.
How long is his current deal?
Eight years, starting from the 2023-24 season through 2030-31.
What is his annual salary?
$11.25 million per year on average, with a signing bonus structure.
Timeline: Key events in David Pastrnak’s life
- May 25, 1996 – Born in Havířov, Czech Republic
- May 2013 – Father Milan dies of cancer (NHL.com)
- 2014 – Drafted by Boston Bruins (25th overall)
- 2014-15 – NHL debut with Bruins
- 2019 – Reaches Stanley Cup Final (loses to St. Louis Blues)
- 2020 – Wins Maurice Richard Trophy (shared with Alex Ovechkin)
- June 2021 – Announces death of newborn son Viggo (CBS News)
- 2023 – Signs 8-year, $90 million contract extension (ESPN)
The timeline shows how personal tragedy and professional milestones have intersected throughout his career.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Pastrnak’s father died of cancer in May 2013 (NHL.com)
- He has not won a Stanley Cup
- He announced the death of his newborn son in June 2021 (ESPN)
- He signed an 8-year, $90 million contract in 2023 (ESPN)
- He is close friends with William Nylander (NHL.com)
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of his black eye
- Specific details of his child’s death
- Exact net worth figure
The catch: while many facts are confirmed, key personal details remain private.
“He’s a big mentor. He’s always there for me.”
– David Pastrnak on his father, as reported by NHL.com
“Our angel was born an angel.”
– Pastrnak on his newborn son’s death (paraphrased from social media, reported by ESPN)
“He’s a special player and person.”
– Zdeno Chara on Pastrnak, as reported by NHL.com
For the Boston Bruins, the equation is clear: Pastrnak is their offensive engine, but the team around him must step up if he is to lift the Cup before his prime ends. For Pastrnak himself, the personal losses he carries make every shift show resilience—but without a championship, his legacy will remain incomplete. The coming seasons will decide whether he becomes a Boston legend or just a brilliant star who came up short.
nytimes.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, wcvb.com, bostonhockeynow.com, youtube.com, thehockeynews.com, davidpastrnak.cz, youtube.com
Frequently asked questions
What is David Pastrnak’s net worth?
Exact figures are not publicly confirmed. Based on his $90 million contract and endorsements, estimates range from $30 million to $50 million, but these are speculative.
Does David Pastrnak have any siblings?
He has a sister named Andrea Pastrnak. The family is close-knit.
What awards has David Pastrnak won?
He won the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2020 (shared), multiple NHL All-Star selections, and the Czech Golden Stick Award (2017, 2018).
How many points did Pastrnak score in the 2022-23 season?
He scored 113 points (61 goals, 52 assists) in 82 games, finishing second in Hart Trophy voting.
Is David Pastrnak married?
He is in a long-term relationship with Rebecca Rohlsson. The couple announced the birth and death of their son Viggo in 2021. They are not publicly reported as married.
What is David Pastrnak’s Instagram handle?
@davidpastrnak88. He posts personal updates, including tributes to his father and son.
Did Pastrnak play in the 2022 Olympics?
No. The NHL did not participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, so no active NHL players, including Pastrnak, competed.
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