By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
In August, I wrote about the addition of Mark Kastelic and how he could help the Boston Bruins. I thought the physical, versatile forward could be a solid depth add to the team. Fast-forward to October, and the Phoenix, Arizona native has played three preseason games as a Bruin. How has he fared?
Kastelic is off to a strong start with his new team, with two goals and a fight under his belt. So far this preseason, the former Senator has been able to strike a balance between mixing it up with opponents after the whistle while not taking unnecessary penalties.
While Kastelic’s actions after the whistle may have drawn Bruins fans’ attention, Kastelic also contributes during play. Kastelic has recorded nine shots on goal so far during preseason, the most among Boston skaters, and his two tallies tie him with Justin Brazeau for the team lead in goals.
Kastelic’s underlying statistics are also solid. The 6’4″, 227-pound forward has generated six individual scoring chances and two individual high-danger scoring chances in only 40:52 of all situation ice time, which is the second-lowest among Bruins with at least three preseason games played.
Along with fighting New York Rangers Defenseman Connor Mackey, Kastelic has made himself known physically through several big hits, which have come frequently when he’s on the ice. Kastelic has thrown nine hits while being on the receiving end of only two. Kastelic is second amongst Bruins forwards in hits per 60 minutes with 13.21, behind only John Farinacci.
Kastelic is not afraid to stick up for his teammates, and he’s made that known so far in his brief time in Boston. “I think a little bit,” said Kastelic when asked if he feels the need to stand up for teammates. “I think that’s just part of what I bring to the table. I try to be a good teammate and look out for my teammates, and I think it’s something natural that I have within me that I don’t like to be pushed around out there, and I don’t think any of us do.“, he added after the preseason opener.
Kastelic has partnered with returner Johnny Beecher on the Bruins’ fourth line at times this preseason, and for good reason. Both players are strong skaters who are physical and can win faceoffs. However, more recently, Kastelic has been taking line rushes down the middle, likely in part due to his 54.17% faceoff win percentage.
Still, questions need to be answered about the Bruins’ fourth line. Free Agent signing Max Jones has not played a game this preseason, having suffered an injury during training camp. Veteran Tyler Johnson remains unsigned as he attends Bruins camp on a professional tryout agreement. Could either of them join Beecher and Kastelic? Or could another forward still in camp, such as Cole Koepke or Riley Tufte, find their way onto the Bruins’ fourth line? With two preseason games remaining before the Bruins season opens on October 8th in Sunrise, Florida, we will get our answer soon.
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