October 18: According to the AHL’s transactions page for today, the Bruins returned Renouf to AHL Providence. The move indicates that defenseman Anton Stralman’s visa issues are resolved and he can make his Bruins debut tonight in Ottawa.
October 16: The Boston Bruins defeated the Arizona Coyotes 6-3 yesterday, a win that put the team on a 2-0 start to this young season and new coach Jim Montgomery’s tenure. But while it was a convincing victory, it wasn’t without a cost. Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo took a hit from Coyotes forward Liam O’Brien late in the first period, and he did not return. Now, it seems Carlo could be out for some time.
Per CapFriendly, Carlo has been placed on injured reserve. In a corresponding move, the Bruins announced that defenseman Daniel Renouf has been recalled from the AHL’s Providence Bruins. Renouf, 28, has 23 career NHL games to his name and spent most of last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, save for four games spent as an injury fill-in for the Detroit Red Wings.
Carlo’s absence is undoubtedly a blow to the Bruins, who are looking to extend this hot start for as long as possible. While Renouf is an experienced AHL veteran, he is a clear downgrade from Carlo, who is a highly capable defensive defenseman.
What makes this easier on Boston is that Anton Stralman is likely to be the one who will fill Carlo’s role as the right-shot top-pairing partner for Hampus Lindholm. Stralman has extensive NHL experience and should be a stylistic fit as a Carlo replacement.
While the exact nature of Carlo’s injury is unknown, Carlo did take the hit from O’Brien to his upper body. Carlo does have a history of concussion issues, so one has to hope that this current injury is simply a minor one that won’t pose any longer-term issues for Carlo’s health and ability to get back onto the ice.