The Boston Bruins have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that defenseman Hampus Lindholm is “unlikely” to return for the remainder of the season. Lindholm has been sidelined since November after undergoing knee surgery to repair a fractured patella tendon, an injury sustained while blocking a shot. Despite steady progress in his recovery, Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney indicated that a return this season is improbable, stating there is no definitive timeline for Lindholm’s return to full health.
Lindholm’s absence compounds the Bruins’ defensive challenges, as fellow defenseman Charlie McAvoy remains hospitalized due to an infection and injury to his acromioclavicular (AC) joint. McAvoy underwent a procedure to address the infection and is currently receiving intravenous antibiotics. His return date is also uncertain, further straining the team’s defensive lineup.
In addition to defensive setbacks, the Bruins’ forward lines have been impacted by injuries. Captain Brad Marchand, a pivotal figure for the team, was traded to the Florida Panthers while recovering from an upper-body injury. The trade was unexpected, as there were no prior rumors suggesting such a move. Marchand, who has played his entire 16-year career with the Bruins, had hoped to retire with the team. Contract extension negotiations were unsuccessful, and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the current season. At 36, Marchand is sidelined with an upper-body injury and is considered week-to-week.
Additionally, forward Trent Frederic is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury sustained during an overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Frederic’s injury is particularly untimely, as he was considered a potential trade candidate ahead of the NHL trade deadline on March 7. A pending unrestricted free agent, Frederic has recorded 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 57 games this season.
These injuries present significant challenges for the Bruins as they navigate the remainder of the season, striving to maintain competitiveness amid a series of setbacks to key players.
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