(Photo Credit: Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)

By: Andrew Bluestein | Follow Me on Twitter / X @adbblue

The Boston Bruins acquired forward Mark Kastelic this summer in the trade that sent Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators. Many people probably thought he was just a throw-in as part of the deal. However, through training camp, preseason, and the first two games, the feisty Kastelic has proven he can make an impact nightly.

After an impressive junior career, he was drafted 125th overall in the fifth round in 2019. He was a well over a point-per-game player for the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. In three seasons with Ottawa, the 6’3 center played in 144 games and recorded a line of 14-12-25.

Kastelic has a very aggressive and hard-nosed style of play, making him a perfect Bruin. His tenacity has been on display in the first two regular season games. In the season opener against the Florida Panthers, the 25-year-old fought, dropping the gloves with former Bruin A.J. Greer after a heavy collision in the neutral zone. 

He never shies away from taking the body, recording over 100 hits in his last two seasons with the Senators. He already has nine in the first two games this season. In the second game against the Montreal Canadiens, Kastelic introduced himself to the TD Garden crowd by potting two goals en route to a 6-4 opening night victory. 

His first goal was a beautiful shot from the high slot that hit the crossbar and went in to tie the game 2-2. The second goal, which made it 6-4, was created by Kastelic taking the puck to the outside and centering it, where it hit the Canadiens goalie Cayden Primeau and went in. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a smart hockey play. 

The Phoenix, Arizona native has already gotten Bruins fans’ attention, and that will continue throughout the season. The way he plays and the energy he brings can make him a catalyst for Boston. This is his fourth season in the NHL, and he has a great opportunity. he could have a big impact; featuring a player like Kastelic in the lineup in the fourth-line center role could be a key part of the 2024-25 campaign.