Milan — David Pastrnak is keeping things loose with Team Czechia as the group prepares for a high-pressure Olympic opener against Canada on Thursday.
The Boston Bruins forward is a major star at home, now seen by many in Czechia alongside national icons such as Jaromir Jagr and Dominik Hasek. That status brings scrutiny at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, but teammates describe him as calm and relaxed heading into the tournament.
Pastrnak is having another standout NHL season. He leads the Bruins in scoring and ranks sixth in the League with 71 points (22 goals, 49 assists) in 52 games. The 29-year-old is chasing a fourth straight 100-point season and previously won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2019-20 with 47 goals.
International Success and Team Leadership
On the international stage, he delivered the gold medal-winning goal for Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Championship. He followed that by posting 15 points (six goals, nine assists) when Czechia finished sixth the next year.
Veterans around the team say Pastrnak sets the tone with his easygoing approach. Younger fans in Czechia now look to him the way a previous generation looked to Jagr, with teammates noting that players like Martin Necas are part of that rising core as well.
Pastrnak has said this Olympic chance is something he has waited for throughout his career, especially with NHL players back in the tournament. After practicing at Milano SantaGiulia Ice Hockey Arena, he emphasized focusing on the moment and treating it as a team effort.
Czechia opens Group A play against Canada and will also face Switzerland and France in the preliminary round. Former national team standouts believe the pressure will be heavy on Pastrnak, as it often is, but say he is accustomed to carrying expectations and delivering.
Czechia has two more practice days before the puck drops. Pastrnak is expected to maintain his steady approach—enjoy the stage, play his game, and be ready when the tournament accelerates.