The Boston Bruins are getting a key piece back on their blue line. General Manager Don Sweeney announced that defenseman Hampus Lindholm has been activated from injury reserve and is returning to the active roster, while fellow defenseman Billy Sweezey has been reassigned to Providence.
Lindholm, who had been sidelined since January 3, brings a steady, two-way presence to the Bruins' defensive corps. The 31-year-old has played in 34 games this season, chipping in three goals and 11 assists for 14 points. At 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds, Lindholm isn’t just a physical presence-he’s a reliable puck mover with a strong hockey IQ, the kind of player who can eat up minutes in all situations.
This marks another chapter in what’s been a solid NHL career for the Helsingborg, Sweden native. Across 796 games with both Anaheim and Boston, Lindholm has tallied 76 goals and 251 assists for a total of 327 points. Originally selected sixth overall by the Ducks in the 2012 NHL Draft, he’s been a mainstay on the Bruins’ back end since arriving in Boston and remains a crucial piece of their defensive identity.
To make room for Lindholm’s return, the Bruins sent Billy Sweezey back to the AHL. Sweezey, 29, has been a steady contributor for Providence this season, putting up one goal and 10 assists through 34 games. At 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, he brings a physical edge to the ice and has proven to be a dependable presence at the AHL level.
Sweezey’s pro journey has taken him through 303 AHL games with Providence, Cleveland, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he’s accumulated seven goals and 44 assists. He also has nine games of NHL experience under his belt, all with Columbus, where he recorded one assist. Originally signed as a free agent by Columbus in March 2022, the Hanson, Massachusetts native continues to be a reliable depth option within the organization.
With Lindholm back in the mix, the Bruins get a boost on the blue line as they look to maintain their position near the top of the Eastern Conference. His return adds stability, experience, and versatility-three things any team eyeing a deep playoff run can’t have enough of.