Boston Bruins fans are finding it difficult to remain calm at this time. Just as the regular season resumed following the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the team faced an unexpected setback, suffering a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks upon their return. But that’s not where the bad news ends. Bruins reporter Joe Haggerty had two kinds of news to deliver to Bruins fans on X, and they may respond differently to both.

Initially, Haggerty spoke of an injury update concerning one of their key players, reiterating their general manager’s comments: “Hampus Lindholm ‘unlikely’ to return this season, per Don Sweeney. Having a follow up surgery next week related to the fractured patella tendon he suffered.” If you’ve overlooked the Bruins defenseman, allow me to refresh your memory: he has been out of action since November of last year, following a lower-body injury incurred during a match against the St. Louis Blues.

Lindholm’s injury occurred in the first period, as he blocked a shot on the penalty kill, resulting in a fractured kneecap. He underwent surgery to repair the fractured patella, but his immediate future looks uncertain as Sweeney’s words has made it clear that the defenseman will not be participating in the remaining regular season games.

What’s the next update? Haggerty shared on X, stating, “Don Sweeney said the Bruins will have ‘a more cautious approach’ at the trade deadline than in year’s past, but made it pretty clear they’ll be talking about trading players off the NHL roster as well as acquiring players and assets. Sounds like a retooling may be coming.”

The Boston Bruins currently find themselves positioned sixth in the Atlantic Division. As the regular season winds down, the prospects for their playoff aspirations appear bleak, if not entirely extinguished. Especially because the Bruins have also lost another key defenseman in Charlie McAvoy for the long haul. And as the NHL trade deadline approaches, it’s reasonable to consider that Sweeney may need to make difficult choices regarding the franchise’s future. The Bruins experienced a significant decline following a standout 2022-23 season. This observation has even been noted by one of the icons of the sport.

A painful experience for a Boston Bruins veteran

If you’re a seasoned hockey enthusiast, you likely know about Barry Pederson. A Boston Bruins icon, he played in 701 games throughout his career, representing several teams beyond the familiar white and yellow hues. Nonetheless, his loyalty to the franchise remained unwavering, and witnessing the team’s current predicament has been far from enjoyable for him.

In a conversation with NESN’s Adam Pellerin, he candidly expressed his sentiments, saying, “Well, I think I would probably echo the sounds and the feelings of the, uh, Bruins fan, which I am one; I know you are as well, which is frustration. Um, I didn’t anticipate this at the beginning of the year.” During the 2023-24 season, the Bruins secured their playoff position without difficulty but faced elimination at the hands of the Florida Panthers in the second round.

However, the current scenario for the team has taken many by surprise, as the legend remarked, “Uh, not the losses so much but the way they’re playing. Uh, they have completely lost their team identity, which was, you know, solid team defense, great penalty killing, and the power play would be okay. I didn’t expect the power play to be dead last almost in the National Hockey League whatsoever.”

Pederson expresses the sentiments of Bruins fans, and the current season is undoubtedly taking a toll on him, given the team’s performance. The Bruins experienced a significant shift in their roster a few seasons ago with the retirement of key players such as Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Additionally, the off-season saw the departure of other players, such as Tyler Bertuzzi, Connor Clifton, and Dmitry Orlov, further altering the team’s dynamics. With the trade deadline approaching, the team may require significant adjustments if they want to remain competitive. Bruins fans will just have to wait and see.