Boston, MA — In a move that has touched hearts across the hockey world and beyond, CT Boston Bruins superstar David Pastrňák has made a bold, heartfelt decision that transcends the game of hockey. Upon signing his latest multi-year contract extension with the Bruins — which includes a $27 million signing bonus — the 29-year-old right wing has announced that he is donating the entire amount to charitable causes.
“I’ve been given more than I ever imagined through this sport,” Pastrňák said during a press conference at TD Garden. “Now, it’s time for me to give something real back — especially to the kids and families who need it most.”
The announcement, made just hours after the deal was finalized, has sent shockwaves of admiration throughout the NHL community and among fans worldwide.
A Gift That Changes Lives
David Pastrňák’s generous donation will be directed toward several key areas that reflect his values and personal experiences, including:
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$10 million to children’s hospitals across North America and Europe, with a special focus on pediatric cancer care, neonatal units, and life-saving surgeries.
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$7 million to launch the “Pasta Plays” Foundation, which will fund the building of free community hockey rinks, provide gear for underprivileged youth, and run mentorship programs for aspiring young players in low-income neighborhoods.
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$5 million to support mental health services for athletes and teens, including therapy, crisis response resources, and school-based counseling programs.
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$3 million to fund scholarships for international students pursuing careers in sports medicine, physical therapy, and coaching.
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$2 million in emergency relief aid to families of current and former Bruins staff facing medical or financial crises.
“Hockey gave me purpose when I was young — especially after losing my father,” Pastrňák said. “Now I want to make sure other kids have the same chance to find purpose, hope, and healing.”
Bruins Organization Responds: “This Is Leadership at Its Finest”
The Bruins front office, while celebrating the extension of one of the team’s most important players, was just as moved by the magnitude of Pastrňák’s gesture.
“What David just did goes far beyond hockey,” said Bruins president Cam Neely. “This is a powerful reminder of what it means to wear the B — not just to play for a team, but to serve a city and a community.”
Bruins GM Don Sweeney added,
“We talk about building a winning culture. David Pastrňák is that culture. On the ice and in life.”
NHL and Fan Reaction: “He Just Won the Offseason”
As news of the donation spread, tributes poured in from across the sports world. Fans, teammates, NHL executives, and sports icons alike praised Pastrňák’s decision.
“He’s one of the best goal-scorers in the game — but today, he became something even bigger.”
— Wayne Gretzky
“That’s how you leave a legacy. That’s how you lead.”
— Connor McDavid
Hashtags like #PastaGivesBack, #MoreThanHockey, and #CaptainAtHeart trended within minutes, as fans shared stories, photos, and tributes to Pastrňák’s longstanding community involvement.
“I’ve been a Bruins fan since 1975. What David just did made me prouder than any Cup run ever has.”
— @BruinsLoyalist89
A Personal Mission
For Pastrňák, this decision is deeply personal. He has spoken publicly about the tragic loss of his father when he was just 14 years old — and how hockey, mentorship, and community support gave him the strength to carry on.
This donation is, in his own words, “a tribute to the people who never let me give up.”
“I don’t want to be remembered for goals,” he said. “I want to be remembered for helping people when it counted.”
Final Thoughts: A Champion On and Off the Ice
While fans celebrate the fact that David Pastrňák is staying in Boston for the long haul, they’re also celebrating something even greater: his heart, humility, and humanity.
At a time when professional sports can sometimes feel disconnected from real life, Pastrňák’s decision serves as a powerful reminder that athletes can still lead with compassion — and change the world, not just the scoreboard.
On the ice, he’s one of the NHL’s fiercest competitors. Off the ice, he’s just become one of its greatest humanitarians.
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