Being saddled with high expectations, it’s one thing to assume that David Pastrnak had a bit of a disappointing Training Camp that resulted in him being sent down to Providence for the start of his first professional hockey season. The shoulder injury Pastrnak suffered at the start of camp was one of a few things that factored into the B’s decision, but this year’s first round pick is still in a good situation.

Peter Chiarelli and the Bruins front office had plenty of options concerning Pastrnak. They could either have him start the season on Boston’s 23-man roster, send him back to his junior squad in Sweden to bulk up from his 6-foot, 167 pound frame, or send him to the AHL to develop his game and learn the system. There’s still a chance that Pastrnak returns to his Swedish league team, but a full season in Providence – and a better understanding of the North American brand of hockey – could very well be the best situation for the 18-year old, Czech Republic native.

“Those were really the two options, that and he’s 170 pounds soaking wet and he’s only 18,” Chiarelli said about his decision to send Pastrnak at Providence during the team’s annual media day at TD Garden on Tuesday.

“I thought he played well as the camp went [on] and when he recovered from his injury and once he got going. He’s got to get better, but it’s more about giving him time that he didn’t have for camp based on his injury and acclimatized to that North American pro style. It’s an ability we have and an opportunity to do it. We thought that we’d put him down there for a bit and see how he does and asses later on.”

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Pastrnak showed some nice flashes of his potential during the last week of the preseason, tallying an assist against the Islanders and a delivering a near highlight reel goal against the Red Wings just 24 hours later. Those were Pastrnak’s only two preseason games of 2014.

The Bruins still have a window where they can send Pastrnak back to Sweden. Regardless, Pastrnak could represent the Czech Republic in the 2015 World Junior Championships in Toronto and Montreal, which would give him another chance to get accustomed to the North American sized rinks.

Ultimately, if the decision is based on getting used to the physical North American style of hockey, Pastrnak would be best served playing a full season in Providence. That may come with some growing pains, but that would give Pastrnak the best chance at developing his craft and learning the Bruins’ system.