David Pastrnak finally offered the update Bruins fans have been waiting for, and it came with genuine optimism as Boston prepares for its three-game road swing.

After missing the past five games, Pastrnak practiced Monday and told reporters he expects to play at some point during the trip. It marks his clearest indication yet that his return is no longer a distant hope but an approaching moment.

Pastrnak said he felt good throughout the skate, moving comfortably and working through shooting reps that had been limited until recently.

His progress follows several days of controlled practices, each session building confidence for both him and the medical staff.

This absence created a noticeable shift in Boston's attack. Before the injury, Pastrnak produced 29 points in 25 games, and without him, the Bruins relied heavily on Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha to generate offense.

Power-play entries slowed, controlled zone time dipped and the top six lost its natural balance.

Marco Sturm has stayed cautious with updates, insisting Pastrnak needed multiple clean practices before any lineup decision. Monday's comments from the winger suggest he has crossed that threshold.

David Pastrnak return boosts Boston Bruins outlook on road

Fans immediately responded with relief, and the locker room felt the lift too. Pastrnak's presence changes matchups, stretches defenses and forces opponents to alter their neutral-zone structure.

The Bruins enter the trip trying to build on improved structure from their recent win over New Jersey. Jeremy Swayman steadied the crease, Nikita Zadorov logged heavy minutes, and the younger forwards delivered key shifts. Adding Pastrnak back into that mix could shift the momentum of a crowded standings race.

Sturm won't rush him into the first game, but the winger sounded confident the return will come sooner than later. The staff will monitor how he recovers Tuesday and Wednesday before targeting the ideal spot to reinsert him.

For a Bruins team grinding through injuries and tight games, getting its top scorer back could mark a turning point. Pastrnak feels ready, and Boston looks eager to welcome him.