BOSTON — As the Bruins seek to add more scoring depth, Don Sweeney took a flyer on Matěj Blümel this summer.
The 25-year-old Czech winger led the AHL in scoring last season, potting 39 goals in 67 games for the Texas Stars. It was his second year in a row hitting the 30-goal mark for Texas, though it hasn’t translated to the NHL level yet. In 13 NHL games with Dallas, Blümel has two goals. The Bruins are hoping he can break out in Boston.
After Monday’s training camp session, Blumel’s fellow countryman David Pastrnak offered a scouting report on the 6-foot, 205-pound forward. Asked about Blümel’s shot and skill set, Pastrnak noted the reporter was missing something.
“You forgot that he’s a pretty good skater too,” Pastrnak said. “That’s unbelievable. He’s very smart. He works hard. He’s got a little bit of everything. It’s amazing to watch him. Hopefully, he can settle himself in. It’s never easy coming to a new city. That’s why it’s good for me and (Pavel Zacha) to try to be here for him and make sure we give him the best opportunity, the best confidence to succeed.”
In addition to skating with him at Warrior Ice Arena, Pastrnak played alongside Blümel as they represented Czechia in the 2022 World Championships. They won a bronze medal, their country’s first in a decade, and Blumel finished with four goals and four assists in 10 games on the international stage.
“He was a big part of that group and played first line,” Pastrnak said. “So, very good player and he’s a very good human being. He wants to learn. He comes every day with questions and knows he’s able to ask me anything. And I try to help him out.
“It’s great that we have him here. This is the way I was treated when I got here when I was young, by the older guys and by the countrymen. So just trying to do the same.”
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