Lindholm could provide boost on blue line
said he’s “hopeful” to return to the Bruins blue-line corps for Saturday’s matinee against the Penguins at TD Garden.
The defenseman sustained a knee injury late in the victory over the Stars Feb. 19 and has missed the last nine games.
“I feel really good,” Lindholm said following Friday’s practice at Warrior Arena. “I feel good, so hopefully [I’ll be] in there [Saturday].”
Lindholm is a workhorse — he averages nearly 24 minutes per game — who has one goal and 19 points this season.
He indicated his rehab has been going according to plan. He joined his teammates for Thursday’s morning skate, and Friday was his first full practice since the injury.
“The treatment staff here is really good, helping out and obviously boosting it as good as possible. But the mindset has always been to be smart and then you just keep throwing the kitchen sink at it and just let it heal and come back, not rush it,” said Lindholm.
Wotherspoon rewarded
Boston inked Parker Wotherspoon to a one-year extension with a salarycap hit of $800,000.
After nine years in the Islanders organization, the 26-year-old signed a free agent deal with the Bruins in July and, after riding the Providence-to-Boston shuttle a few times, has found a permanent home with the varsity.
“It’s obviously gone well for me here, so to get that done and just move forward, it’s great. I’m really excited to be here,” said the defenseman.
In 32 games, Wotherspoon has six assists and is a plus-5. He has proven to be reliable five-on-five and an effective part of the penalty-kill rotation. He has three fighting majors, including bouts with newly acquired Pat Maroon in December and Toronto’s Tyler Bertuzzi Thursday night.
Forbort’s season over Derek Forbort was
Defenseman placed on long-term injured reserve and his season is effectively over, according to general manager Don Sweeney.
“People should realize that Derek’s been playing through two significant injuries. One for sure is requiring surgery. The other one quite possibly could,” said Sweeney. “So, real kudos and a testament to the character of Derek and wanting to be that ultimate team player and play through some significant pain and injuries, but it got to a point where it was not feasible for him to continue to play.”
Abate signs new deal
The club signed forward Joey Abate to a one-year, two-way contract through the 2023-24 season with a salary-cap hit of $775,000. He’s been with AHL Providence this season with two goals and 10 points in 40 games … The NHL fined Toronto’s Jake McCabe $5,000, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, for his cross-check to the throat of Brad Marchand Thursday. Additionally, Charlie Coyle was docked the same amount for his high cross-check on Bertuzzi ... Winger Marc McLaughlin was returned to Providence. The Billerica native scored in his only game, the 5-1 loss to the Islanders ... Final reminder: The Penguins-Bruins game will be shown as a live, animated broadcast in addition to the traditional one. The “Big City Greens Classic” will air on ESPN+.