The Boston Bruins are dealing with a growing list of injuries, but they’re proving to be one of those teams that just refuses to fold. And now, they might be getting a key piece back at just the right time. Forward Viktor Arvidsson, who’s been sidelined since mid-November, returned to practice on Monday - a promising sign that his return to game action could be imminent.
Arvidsson hasn’t played since November 15 due to a lower-body injury that landed him on injured reserve. While that move raised some eyebrows at the time, the Bruins never sounded the alarm. They were optimistic the absence wouldn’t be a long one - and now, that confidence looks well-placed.
Seeing Arvidsson back on the ice with his teammates during Monday’s practice is a strong indicator that he’s trending toward a return. And with Boston set to face the Detroit Red Wings again on Tuesday night, the timing couldn’t be much better.
Before the injury, Arvidsson was quietly putting together a solid debut campaign in Boston. Through 20 games, he’s tallied six goals and four assists.
That six-goal mark? It ranks third on the team - a testament to how quickly he found his rhythm in the Bruins’ system.
He’s not just a depth piece; he’s been a consistent offensive contributor and a reliable presence in the lineup.
His return would be especially timely given the current uncertainty surrounding David Pastrnak, who’s dealing with an undisclosed injury of his own. With Pastrnak potentially unavailable, the Bruins are looking for ways to keep the offense humming - and Arvidsson could help shoulder some of that load.
Morgan Geekie has been red-hot lately, and adding Arvidsson back into the mix gives Boston another weapon to work with - someone who can finish plays, stretch the ice, and bring that veteran poise in high-leverage moments.
The Bruins narrowly edged out the Red Wings on Saturday, and with another matchup looming, they may need every bit of firepower they can get. If Arvidsson is cleared to go, his presence could be a difference-maker in what’s shaping up to be another tightly contested divisional battle.
Puck drops at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. Whether Arvidsson suits up or not, his return to practice is a clear sign that help is on the way - and for a Bruins team grinding through injuries, that’s welcome news.