Bruins Call Up Steven Kampfer From Providence After Mark Stuart’s ‘Upper-Body Injury’

The Bruins called up defenseman Steven Kampfer from Providence on an emergency basis on Wednesday.

The Bruins lost defenseman Mark Stuart during Tuesday night's game against the Sabres, and his status after the game was only described as an "upper-body injury." Kampfer's call-up is an indication that Stuart may not be able to go Thursday night against the Islanders.

It's the first call-up in the young career of Kampfer, 22, whom the Bruins acquired via trade last year at the deadline in exchange for a draft pick. He played four seasons at the University of Michigan. He finished his college career with 60 points, but he was thrust into the consciousness of the hockey world when he was the victim of a vicious two-man assault at the hands of Michigan State players.

He's played 20 games with AHL Providence this season, Kampfer has three goals and 13 assists.

The Bruins are already thin at defense after trading away Matt Hunwick to clear cap space for the return of Marc Savard. After that deal, Andrew McQuaid stepped into full-time duty, leaving the NHL club without a seventh man to rely upon when a defenseman goes down.