Bruins Close To Getting Blue Line Help With Return Of Injured Defenseman

When the Bruins hit the ice for practice following Boston’s overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues, a notable player returned giving a boost to the Black and Gold’s blue line.

Defenseman Andrew Peeke participated in a regular jersey for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury in the Bruins’ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov. 5.

Even though Peeke took a huge step in his recovery, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery wouldn’t commit to a return date for the 26-year-old Florida native.

“We don’t know yet. He’s progressing well,” Montgomery told reporters at Warrior Ice Arena, per team-provided video. “I would say doubtful for (Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets), but we’ll see how he reacts tomorrow morning from the contact practice.”

Getting Peeke back in the lineup can only help the Bruins given that Hampus Lindholm is expected to miss “weeks” with a lower-body injury.

“That’s a tough situation. I feel bad for him,” Peeke told reporters on Sunday, per team-provided video. “Obviously, everyone’s got to elevate, Hampus is a great player.

“When I get to come back in the lineup, whether it’s tomorrow or the next game or the game after, it’s going to be exciting for me to help out where I can.”

Peeke has two assists in 12 games with the Bruins to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Boston acquired Peeke at the trade deadline last season. He notched two assists in 15 contests with 44 hits and 47 blocked shots in the 2023-24 season.