The Boston Bruins have been without two key stars for several weeks, and it remains uncertain whether either will return before the regular season concludes.
Both players were back on the ice in regular practice jerseys on but interim head coach Joe Sacco noted that there’s still no clear timetable for their return.
McAvoy has been recovering from a serious AC joint injury and a shoulder infection that required a three-night hospital stay during the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off.
Kastelic, who sustained an upper-body injury during the team’s recent western road trip, returned to Boston for treatment. He’s been a standout on the Bruins’ fourth line this season, known for his physicality and setting new career highs with five goals and nine assists.
Pavel Zacha and Nikita Zadorov were both absent from Wednesday’s practice. Sacco said Zacha was given a maintenance day and is expected to play Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Zadorov, meanwhile, was away dealing with a family matter, and his availability for the game remains uncertain.