Michael Pastujov, the brother of Sound Tiger Nick Pastujov, is entering his senior season at the University of Michigan. The six-foot winger has carved out a nice role with a top division 1 program, notching 37 points in 81 games across his first three seasons. Ahead of Michael is one more chance to show NHL scouts that he is worth a contract.

Pastujov’s career began at a young age.

“I started playing hockey when I was four years old,” Pastujov said.

While many young players experimented at different positions, Pastujov stuck at forward early on and never looked back.

“[My dad] decided he wasn’t going to be a goalie dad,” Pastujov said. “As long as I can remember, I was always a forward.”

Like many hockey siblings, Michael and Nick Pastujov played together often and created a lifelong bond.

“It was something special that I really cherished,” Michael Pastujov said. “I definitely impacted my career a lot and I thought we played really well together.”

TRANSACTIONS: Defenseman Seth Helgeson and forwards Jeff Kubiak, Erik Brown and Nick Pastujov have agreed to terms with the #SoundTigers.

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— Bridgeport Sound Tigers (@thesoundtigers) October 29, 2020

A consistent teammate was key to Pastujov becoming the player he is today.

“It was big on my development on my entire career” he said. “I always had someone who I could lean on and who I always knew was on my side.”

Although they aren’t playing together now, there’s always a chance for a reunion.

“It’s something I’d jump at if there was a possibility,” Pastujov said. “We just have to see if it comes onto the table.”

Before attending Michigan, Pasutjov had some great experiences. He even got to attend a Detroit Red Wings development camp in 2017.

“It was a really cool experience,” Pastujov said. “To be able to be a part of the organization for a week, attend their training camp, see what it the organization was like and the people who run it, it was a super cool experience.”

Before that, Pastujov was a gold medalist with the United States’ U-18 World Junior Championships team in Slovakia.

“It’s something that you look forward to,” Pastujov said. “It’s a two-year program and that’s the finish line to get that gold medal.”

Much like the Islanders, Pastujov and the Michigan Wolverines are part of a big in-state rivalry.

“We like to beat Michigan State, especially at home,” he said. “It’s always a heated game with a little bit more on the table.”

The two teams aren’t currently scheduled to faceoff in the shortened 2020-21 season, but Michigan does have two games under its belt already. Pastujov notched an assist in the Wolverines’ opener, an 8-1 win over Arizona State.

“We stuck to our gameplan, got pucks in, played sound defensively and turned defense into offense,” Pastujov said. “Once we got ahold of Arizona State and figured out what worked against them, we didn’t let up. We kept pressure on them and eventually they couldn’t handle it.”

Although he is no longer eligible to be drafted, Pasutjov isn’t giving up on his dream to play in the NHL.

“I hope to get a pro deal,” Pastujov said. “I want to find somewhere to showcase my talent and hopefully, find my way to the top and get to the NHL.”

John Smark