Bruins forward Mark Kastelic is a heavy, physical player with a history of blowing up opponents with big hits. Last season, he ranked fifth in hits (126) and second in faceoffs (54.4%) in 63 games for Ottawa.
However, the 6-foot-4, 226-pound Arizona native believes he has more to offer than being a physical player.
“It’s definitely part of my game, but I don’t think that’s what defines me as a player at all,” Kastelic told reporters after captain’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena on Thursday, per team-provided video. “I think I bring a lot. A good all-around game, and kind of take a lot of pride in being a good two-way forward.
“I think being physical and faceoffs are a strength of mine, and definitely not afraid to mix it up if I have to and if the time calls for it.
Kastelic’s size is intimidating for a forward, but in the Bruins room, he isn’t the only big body joining 6-foot-5, 220-pound Justin Brazeau and 6-foot-3, 220-pound Trent Frederic.
“I think that’s something that stood out to me when I got traded here; how big and heavy everybody is,” he said. “I fall into that category. It’s definitely different not being one of the biggest guys around. I feel pretty average here. That’s the style of hockey that everybody wants to play here this year, to be big and heavy. I think everyone’s excited for what we have in the room.”
Kastelic will most likely start the season as the Bruins’ fourth-line center flanked by Brazeau and Johnny Beecher, but the 25-year-old does bring versatility.
“That’s another thing I take a lot of pride in being able to play all different positions,” Kastelic said. “I definitely view myself as a natural centerman, but the more versatile you are as a player, the more opportunities and good positions you can be put into. That’s part of my game that I continue to work on over the last year or so, being able to adapt, whether it’s center or wing.”
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