4 Things to Know About New Bruins Forward Mark Kastelic

Boston Bruins acquire Mark Kastelic from Ottawa Senators, adding size and physicality to their bottom-six unit for the future.

In Ottawa last season, Mark Kastelic ranked third on the Senators in penalty minutes with 63 and fourth in hits with 126. The recent Bruins' trade with the Senators has brought Kastelic to Boston, adding a pugnacious presence to their bottom-six unit alongside the more talked-about acquisitions of Ullmark and Korpisalo.

While Kastelic may not be a significant scorer, with 14 goals and 25 points in 144 career games, he brings a valuable combination of size and speed that Cam Neely highlighted as lacking on the Bruins' roster. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds, Kastelic is known for his physical play, ranking high in penalty minutes and hits in Ottawa.

Pairing Kastelic with young talents like Beecher and Brazeau could create an intriguing checking line for the Bruins. His willingness to drop the gloves and strong faceoff skills, boasting a career 56.3% success rate, make him a valuable asset in critical defensive situations. Kastelic's defensive numbers, particularly goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 play, should improve with the solid defensive foundation provided by Swayman.

The Kastelic family has a rich NHL history, with Mark's father, Ed, and grandfather, Pat Stapleton, both having played in the league. Growing up in Phoenix, Kastelic honed his skills playing for the Jr. Coyotes before embarking on his NHL career. Despite the Coyotes' relocation, Kastelic remains connected to his roots and is determined to make an impact in Boston.

Overall, Mark Kastelic brings a unique blend of physicality, defensive prowess, and familial NHL ties to the Bruins, making him a promising addition to the team's roster. His presence in the bottom-six unit is expected to bolster Boston's depth and provide a solid defensive backbone for the upcoming season.

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