WILMINGTON, Mass. — The Bruins’ rookies hit the ice for the first time Sunday afternoon as the club’s rookie camp got under way with fitness testing and a pair of on-ice sessions at Ristuccia Arena.
While the veterans won’t open the main camp until Friday, almost every Bruin veteran has already returned to Boston, with most participating in last week’s informal captain’s practices. But one notable absence remains, as center Marc Savard still has not made an appearance.
While that might initially appear like a cause for concern after Savard expressed his dismay over being the subject of trade rumors earlier this summer, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli was quick to defuse such speculation.
“I think all but Savvy,” said Chiarelli when asked if all the veterans were back in Boston. “Savvy was in last week and he went back. He had a couple loose ends to take care of. I don’t think he’ll be back for tomorrow.”
Monday is the club’s annual golf tournament in Bolton, Mass. An avid golfer like Savard doesn’t usually miss a chance to hit the links, but he already got some time on the greens with Chiarelli last week.
“I met with him, actually I golfed with him this past week,” said Chiarelli.
Obviously if Savard and Chiarelli are socializing on the golf course, then any hurt feelings over the trade speculation seems to have been put to rest.
“He was in good spirits,” said Chiarelli. “He’s in a good frame of mind right now.”
