WILMINGTON, Mass. — While Bruins coach Claude Julien gave his players a day off from practice on Friday, there was still plenty going on at Ristuccia Arena.
Injured forwards Marc Savard and Marco Sturm did skate, along with defenseman Johnny Boychuk and goalies Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask. While Boychuk remains on track for a return from a fractured forearm next weekend, there is still no definitive timetable for Savard and Sturm.
"I don't think anybody knows exactly the date," said Julien of Savard's status. "I think we know he's doing well. He's progressing to the point where he's getting close to at least joining us for practice, but he hasn't been cleared to do that yet and even less for contact. I think there's a lot of speculation right now, but as far as we're concerned, we're still taking it day by day and seeing the guy progress in a positive way, which is encouraging."
Julien's statement was in response to a question about a report from TSN's Darren Dreger, who tweeted on Thursday that Savard "may return by the end of the month." Savard, who is working his way back from post-concussion issues, hopes to start practicing with the team soon, but would need to do that, as well as pass several more tests before a return to game action can be contemplated.
Savard is making progress though, and could actually make it back to the lineup before Sturm, who is rehabbing from offseason knee surgery.
"I don't think Sturmie is any closer than Marc," said Julien. "And maybe Marc is closer than Sturmie to be honest with you."
The Bruins hope center David Krejci is even closer than both. Krejci suffered a concussion on Saturday against St. Louis, and on Friday he exercised for the first time since the injury with a short workout on a stationary bike.
"He's progressing nicely," said Julien of Krejci. "Right now he's on the stage where he's on the bike. If things go well, then he continues to move forward. If things don't go well, then we pull him back. All I can say is things are going in the right direction with him now too."
