Bruins fans eager to see the team’s new top-line center, will have to wait a bit longer. Despite initial plans for him to practice with the main group on Tuesday, head coach Jim Montgomery revealed that Lindholm, 29, is still sidelined with an undisclosed issue.
“That didn’t happen. He took the day off,” Montgomery said on Tuesday, explaining that Lindholm is “day-to-day” and won’t participate in this week’s exhibition games.
The Bruins will continue their preseason schedule with road games against the Rangers on Thursday and the Flyers on Saturday. Although Lindholm has been limited in practice since camp opened, there is still time for him to get back into form before the regular season begins on October 8. Boston has three more preseason games remaining after this week.
Lindholm, who signed a seven-year, $54.25 million contract on July 1, has only completed one full day of practice with the Bruins since camp started. He skated alongside David Pastrnak on the top line but hasn’t practiced since due to his lingering issue. Montgomery emphasized that the team is being cautious with Lindholm’s recovery.
In Lindholm’s absence, younger players and roster hopefuls will take center stage in the early preseason games, but it remains critical for the Bruins to have Lindholm ready for their season opener in Florida. Pastrnak spoke highly of Lindholm’s abilities, comparing him to former centers David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron, praising his two-way play and high hockey IQ.
Along with Lindholm, winger Max Jones is also “day-to-day” with an injury but might return by the end of the week. However, the Bruins received positive news as captain Brad Marchand practiced on Tuesday, donning a non-contact jersey while recovering from offseason surgeries.
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