The Boston Bruins are still missing their biggest offensive weapon, but they’re getting a much-needed reinforcement tonight. While David Pastrňák remains sidelined for a third straight game, the Bruins are expected to welcome winger Viktor Arvidsson back into the lineup as they take on the Detroit Red Wings.
Arvidsson has been out since November 15 after suffering a lower-body injury during a heated matchup against the Canadiens. But after participating fully in recent practices, the veteran winger looks ready to rejoin Boston’s top six - and not a moment too soon.
This is Arvidsson’s first season in Boston, and his return comes at a critical time. The Bruins have been trying to stay afloat without Pastrňák, who leads the team in scoring and is the heartbeat of their offense. While Arvidsson won’t replicate that level of production, his return brings some much-needed depth and experience to a lineup that’s been searching for answers.
When the Bruins brought in Arvidsson, they knew there was some risk involved. Over the past two seasons with the Kings and Oilers, he played just 85 games - less than half of the possible schedule - due to injuries.
Still, when he’s on the ice, he produces. In those 85 games, he put up 21 goals and 42 points while averaging just over 15 minutes per night.
That trend continued earlier this season with Boston. Before the injury, Arvidsson had six goals and 10 points through 20 games, averaging 14:33 of ice time. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient - the kind of player who can quietly tilt a game with a timely goal or a smart shift.
The Bruins have gone 1-1 since Pastrňák went down, but they’ve been outscored 8-5 in those two games. That’s not a sustainable formula, especially against a Red Wings team that can push the pace and capitalize on defensive lapses.
While Arvidsson isn’t a one-for-one replacement for Pastrňák - few players in the league are - his return gives Boston a better chance to stabilize their forward group and generate more consistent offense. The Bruins are hoping Pastrňák’s absence is short-term, but until he’s back, every bit of scoring depth matters.
Tonight’s game offers a chance for Arvidsson to make an immediate impact and remind everyone what he brings when healthy: a reliable, veteran presence with a nose for the net and the ability to slide seamlessly into a top-six role. For a Bruins team trying to maintain its edge in a competitive Atlantic Division, that could make all the difference.