Pastrnak receives this honour for the fifth consecutive year, no one other has done so. Jaromir Jagr, a future Hall of Famer in hockey, won the award 12 times, but never five years in a row. Pastrnak now shares the second most career gold balls with goalkeeper Dominik Hasek.
The native of Havirov, Czech Republic, had another strong season in Boston in 2021. With 48 points (20 B, 28 A), 24 minutes of ejection and a +10 differential in 48 regular season games, he averaged one point per game. Post-elimination, Pastrnak added 15 points (7 B, 8 A).