Bruins forward David Pastrnak out at least two weeks after thumb surgery
“David will be out of the lineup for the next two weeks, then will be reevaluated, and we’ll likely have a more definitive timeline as to when he’ll return to play."
Bruins top goal scorer David Pastrnak underwent surgery to repair a tendon in his left thumb, the club announced Tuesday, and will be out of the lineup for a minimum two weeks, according to general manager Don Sweeney.
Sweeney, speaking at the club’s Brighton practice facility while the team practiced, said Pastrnak sustained the injury Sunday night after attending a team sponsorship function with teammates.
“After the game on Sunday, David and several of his teammates attended a sponsorship dinner,’’ said Sweeney. “At about 11:30, David reported to me . . . while he and teammates were walking to meet their transportation location, he simply fell and injured his thumb.’’
Sweeney offered no details about the location of the dinner or the nature of the fall.
According to Sweeney, the surgery was performed by hand specialist Dr. Matt Leibman (who is based at Newton-Wellesley Hospital).
“David will be out of the lineup for the next two weeks,’’ added Sweeney, “then will be reevaluated and we’ll likely have a more definitive timeline as to when he’ll return to play.
“It was really pretty apparent that he needed to have something done right away, which they did.’’
Asked further about a timeline, Sweeney would not offer anything beyond the two-week assessment period.
“He’s expected to return and play for us,’’ he said.
Pastrnak, who leads the club with 31 goals and 66 points, is a righthanded shot. As such, he grips the top of the stick with his left hand, the control hand, while the right hand, the power hand, is placed lower on the shaft. Both hands are essential, but it would seem he was fortunate not to injure his power hand — particularly since his trademark is his blistering slapper.
Danton Heinen, who recently moved into Pastrnak’s spot on the No. 1 line, will be there Tuesday night again when the Bruins face the Blackhawks at the Garden. He will line up with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron.
The No. 2 line, centered by David Krejci, will be filled out by wingers Peter Cehlarik and Jake DeBrusk.
“It’s disappointing,’’ said coach Bruce Cassidy. “He’s one of our better players. And I am sure David feels terrible about it; at least that’s what I’ve been told by Donny.
“But after the disappointment moves along, it’s a challenge. I mean, we are taking our leading scorer out of the lineup and we’ve been struggling to create enough offense as it is. Now you’re going to the drawing board and ask, ‘OK, what’s the best way to go about this in terms of replacing his production?’ ’’
Cassidy said the Bruins will reach down to AHL Providence to add a forward for the upcoming five-game road trip.
David Backes, a healthy scratch Sunday against Colorado, will return to the lineup against Chicago, riding on a line with Joakim Nordstrom and Trent Fredric.
