While speaking with reporters following practice, Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm shared that he does not believe he will return to the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 30. View the original article to see embedded media.

The Boston Bruins are reeling after a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. However, on Wednesday, there was encouraging news about the return of one of the team’s top two defensemen.

The Bruins host the Jets on Thursday. Lindholm, who is currently on Long Term Injured Reserve has been out since suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues. McAvoy had been out since Jan. 11 with an undisclosed injury.

Sure, the Boston Bruins were without three of their top defensemen – Charlie McAvoy (wrist), Hampus Lindholm (knee) and Brandon Carlo (ill) – but Boston’s overall defense was terrible during a 7-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo,

The lead lasted all of 55 seconds. The B’s top line got hemmed in its own end for much of the shift and, after it finally pushed it out of the zone, the players got caught in a change. On a Sabre 4-on-3, Matt Poitras got lost out high and Dylan Cozens connected with the wide-open trailer Thompson, who ripped a slapper past Swayman.

Boston Bruins left wing Cole Koepke (45) collides with Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the crease during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) AP

This is exciting news for the Bruins, as Lindholm and McAvoy are two of their top defenders. Skating in regular jerseys is a major step in the right direction for the pair. However, they won't be back in the lineup just yet, as head coach Joe Sacco said they won't be options against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 28.

Nico Hischier is week to week for the Devils because of an upper-body injury.

Boston was thumped in Buffalo on Tuesday, and the return of McAvoy – out since Jan. 11 with a wrist injury – will certainly help.

While a clash of the NHL's top two teams looms this weekend, the Winnipeg Jets have business to take care of first as they continue a three-game road trip in the East against the Boston Bruins on Thursday.

Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm both returned to Bruins’ practice on Monday. Neither will play on Tuesday at Buffalo, but their return signals a significant step in their efforts to return to the lineup.