Report: Pastrnak, Zacha to join Czechia for IIHF Men’s World Championship

Both players have recently entered the NHL offseason, as the Bruins were just knocked out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Florida Panthers, losing the Atlantic Division Final in six games.

It would be the fifth time Pastrnak has played for Czechia in the tournament. The native of Havirov last played for his country during the 2022 tournament, helping the Czechs win the bronze medal and leading the tournament with seven goals in seven games. Pastrnak also represented his country at the IIHF World Junior Championship three times, scoring 14 points in 14 games in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 editions of the tournament.

The five-time Czech Player of the Year participated in the World Cup of Hockey in 2016 as well.

For as long as Zacha has been playing in the NHL, this would be the first time he will be playing on the Czech senior national team. The 27-year-old last played for his country at the 2016 World Juniors, where he was an assistant captain. Zacha and Pastrnak were on the same team for three consecutive World Junior Championships.

While the additions of Pastrnak and Zacha will be welcomed by the host nation, it is not like they need much help. Czechia currently sits atop Group A with 15 points, one ahead of both Switzerland and Canada. The Czechs play their final group-stage game against Canada on Tuesday.