Boston’s Charlie McAvoy returned to practice Monday. McAvoy has been out with an injury since Jan. 11. Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm both returned to the Boston Bruins’ practice Monday. Neither will play Tuesday night at Buffalo, but their return signals a significant step in their efforts to return to the lineup.
The two defensemen led the Bruins in ice time before their injuries. The Bruins declined to give specific timetables for their returns at any point during their absences.
Both would need to be activated from injured reserve. Jordan Oesterle and Michael Callahan remained with Boston so no move is imminent.
Cole Koepke is available to return to the lineup in Buffalo after emerging from concussion protocol.
Oliver Wahlstrom missed Monday’s practice with an illness. He and Mark Kastelic also won’t travel to Buffalo.
The Bruins will be home Thursday night against the Winnipeg Jets.
Lindholm, who is on long-term injured reserve, has been out since suffering a lower-body injury Nov. 12 against the St. Louis Blues.
McAvoy had been out since Jan. 11 with an undisclosed injury.
McAvoy’s injury won’t keep him from playing in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA.
“We knew relatively early on what we had going on, and that it wasn’t going to be a problem for that,” McAvoy said after Monday’s practice. “It was just something that we needed to take care of, and the timing was going to be fine. So (it’s lousy) when you get hurt and you’ve got to take some time. But I’m doing great and life is good now.”
The NHL 4 Nations Face-Off begins Feb. 12 with Team Canada and Team Sweden in the opening game. Team USA plays Team Finland on Feb. 13.
MCAVOY’S WIFE KILEY gave birth to the couple’s first child Sunday morning.
McAvoy said his son, Rhys Michael McAvoy, was born at 5:51 a.m. Sunday.
“Ky did absolutely amazing,” McAvoy said. “And everybody’s healthy. Baby’s healthy so we’re really happy. There’s no words. We’re just thrilled right now.”
McAvoy said while there’s no ideal time to get hurt, he was able to be there for the birth and tail end of Kiley’s pregnancy.
FORWARD DAVID PASTRNAK was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week.
From Jan. 20-26, Pastnak led the league in scoring with three goals and five assists in four games. He has a seven-game point streak and points in 10 of the Bruins’ 12 games in January.
Pastrnak has played in all 51 games for the Bruins and leads the team in scoring with 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points.
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