New Roster Move Sets Up Veteran Brawler To Make Bruins Debut

The Bruins are hoping the roster move they made Monday morning will provide the jolt of energy they desperately need.

A little over eight hours before its matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Boston announced it recalled forward Jeffrey Viel from Providence. Viel was promoted one day after the Bruins sent fellow forward Riley Tufte down to their AHL affiliate.

Viel, who signed a league-minimum two-way contract with Boston at the start of NHL free agency, now is set to make his Bruins debut. The 27-year-old has appeared in 14 games with Providence this season and logged two goals and two assists. Viel spent five seasons in the Sharks organization before joining Boston and appeared in 49 total games with San Jose.

While Viel might not factor into much goal-scoring for the Black and Gold, there are other ways he can contribute to the club. The Quebec native plays a very physical brand of hockey and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves, as he currently has 49 fights under his belt at the professional level.

Viel joins a B’s team that will be trying to halt a losing streak at two games Monday evening. NESN’s complete coverage of Boston’s clash with Columbus at TD Garden begins at 6 p.m. ET.