Bruins Get Terrific News On Pair Of Top Injured Defensemen

The Bruins blue line could look a lot different in the near future and that’s great news for Boston.

Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy were both full participants in Monday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena. Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco told reporters both defensemen are “moving in the right direction,” but won’t travel with the team to Buffalo where they face the Sabres on Tuesday night.

Lindholm has missed 34 games since suffering a lower-body injury in mid-November while McAvoy has been sidelined for the last six games.

McAvoy, who welcomed a baby boy, Rhys, into the world early Sunday morning, certainly is optimistic with where he stands with his recovery and it feels like it’s not out of the question that both he and Lindholm could return Thursday when the Bruins host the Winnipeg Jets at TD Garden.

“I feel great. Today was nice to get the practice with the team in and just check one of the last remaining boxes,” McAvoy told reporters, per team-provided video. “I’ll continue that process this afternoon and then just making sure we’re OK with the doctors and stuff. Then we can meet these guys when they get back from Buffalo and just get back as fast as I can.

“But feeling good. And it was exciting to be back out there with everybody. Kind of a whirlwind but good to be out there.”

Lindholm took the necessary steps in his recovery, practicing with the team for the last week in a non-contact jersey. He shed that Monday for a regular practice sweater and is itching to get back on the ice.

“It feels good to be able to do some contact and get in those battles. It’s nice,” Lindholm told reporters, per team-provided video. “You’re excited to get out there and fight with the fellas. It’s been a long way, but I try to find ways to improve and hopefully can infuse some extra energy into the boys and also with my game when I get back there on the ice.”

The Bruins went 4-1-1 with Lindholm and McAvoy both sidelined, but surely their presence on the blue line will be critical for Boston as its in a tight race for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.