It’s not all roses for the Boston Bruins today. After acquiring Tyler Bertuzzi and signing David Pastrnak to a long-term extension, the team has announced some injury news. Taylor Hall has been placed on long-term injured reserve, and Nick Foligno on regular injured reserve. With the extra roster spot, Jakub Lauko has been recalled.
Hall’s placement on LTIR explains how the team was able to fit Bertuzzi under the cap, but also means the winger will miss at least ten games with the lower-body injury he suffered a few days ago.
Darren Dreger of TSN reported earlier today that he is getting a second opinion, though it seems he’ll be out for a while either way.
Hall hadn’t scored in his last five games and has been rather pedestrian this season compared to his previous lofty performances, though with so much talent in Boston, it’s hard to really stand out. His 16 goals and 36 points in 58 games represent a solid secondary contributor, one that will now effectively be replaced by Bertuzzi in the lineup.
Foligno, 35, has slowed down tremendously from his fast start, with only 13 points coming since the beginning of December (38 games). The veteran forward is still capable defensively and can fill in up the lineup in a pinch, but is more of a depth player for the Bruins at this point in his career. Even before the injury, he had averaged less than 13 minutes in his ten previous games.
The Bruins can afford some injuries, but these are still things to monitor as the postseason approaches. Boston is built to win the Stanley Cup this season and has poured assets into the trade deadline to chase it.
It should only be a few days before Bertuzzi is added to that list.
manipulation
Excellent job by Sweeney working the cap. Doing his job perfectly.
it helps when two of your centers take massive hometown discounts too