Liam MacKenzie – Treasurer/Sports Editor
Boston, MA – The Boston Bruins have officially found their next captain. On Sunday, September 27, the Bruins announced that David Pastrňák would become the 28th captain in franchise history, succeeding Brad Marchand and taking on one of the most prestigious leadership roles in Boston sports.
Pastrňák becomes the first Bruins captain since Marchand, who served as captain from 2023 until he was traded to the Florida Panthers in March 2025. The 30-year-old forward will officially wear the captain’s “C” when Boston opens the 2026-27 regular season against the New York Rangers on Tuesday Night.
569 Days Without a Captain – The Bruins went 569 days without a captain after Brad Marchand was traded on March 7, 2025. Boston played the entire 2025-26 season without naming a replacement, with veterans like David Pastrňák and Charlie McAvoy stepping up to provide leadership along the way.
That lengthy stretch would come to an end with Pastrňák taking over the role. With the four-time NHL All-Star now wearing the “C”, the Bruins head into the 2026-27 season with a new leader at the helm.
From No. 25 Pick to Captain – Pastrňák has spent his entire NHL career in Boston after the Bruins selected him with the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. Entering his 13th season, he has established himself as one of the most productive players in franchise history and the longest-tenured player currently on the Bruins’ roster.
In 833 career games with Boston, Pastrňák has recorded 420 goals and 513 assists for 933 points. He ranks fifth in franchise history in goals, ninth in assists and sixth in points, while also becoming one of only two Bruins players to record a 60-goal season.
Following Bruins Legends – Pastrňák now joins a long list of players who have worn the captain’s “C” in Boston, including Raymond Bourque, Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron and Marchand. The Bruins’ history of captains includes 16 Hockey Hall of Famers, while nine former captains have had their numbers retired by the organization.
He also becomes just the second European-born player to serve as captain of the Bruins, following Chara. Like Chara, Pastrňák will enter the role after spending his entire NHL career with Boston.
“Grateful, Humbled and Honored” – Pastrňák spoke about the honor of becoming Boston’s next captain during his press conference Sunday. He said he was “grateful,” “humbled” and “honored” to take on the role and understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the “C” for the Bruins.
Even with the new title, Pastrňák said he does not plan on changing who he is. Instead, he wants to continue being himself while doing whatever he can to help his teammates and the Bruins organization.
A New Era Begins – The captaincy marks another significant chapter in Pastrňák decade-plus tenure in Boston. With the Bruins preparing for their season opener, he will now lead the franchise onto the ice wearing the same letter that has been carried by some of the most recognizable players in team history.
After 569 days without a captain, the wait is officially over. David Pastrňák is the next man to wear the “C” in Boston.
