Elias Lindholm Takes First Step To Making On-Ice Impact With Bruins

Elias Lindholm is back in his happy place.

The center returned to Bruins training camp this weekend after missing nine days with an undisclosed injury. The Boston forward was sporting the red non-contact jersey but was just excited to be back on the ice with his teammates.

“It’s fun. Obviously, it’s tough not skating with the guys, especially as a new guy,” Lindholm told reporters on Sunday, per team-provided video. ” … It’s been frustrating. But it’s good to be back and try to get some good practices and games here before Game 1 (of the NHL season). … Try to make the best out of it and stay positive. Happy to be back.”

Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said it was good to have Lindholm rejoin the team even in a limited capacity.

“The good is it was good to see him. Plays are being made, he’s making finishing plays, killing plays in the D-zone. You can see his hockey sense, his smarts,” Montgomery told reporters after practice on Sunday, per team-provided video. “Bad thing is he’s not up to speed yet. That’s why it’s good that he’s starting to get the steps and get into practice and starting to get reps.”

In Lindholm’s absence, Matthew Poitras centered David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha in practice and in the Bruins’ preseason loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 26. Lindholm returned to his position on Sunday at Warrior Ice Arena.

“Definitely fun to be back and playing with those two,” Lindholm said. “Had some good looks there first practice and definitely excited to get going and get to learn more about them.”

The Bruins trimmed down the training camp roster, sending several players to Providence before the Black and Gold enter their final week of practice and the final three preseason games before kicking off the 2024-25 season against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Oct. 8.