To start the 2022-2023 season, the Boston Bruins were planning to be down three starters, and after a preseason game, that total has climbed to four. The injury troubles started with Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy, and Matt Grzelcyk, who are all recovering from offseason surgery. The list now includes Taylor Hall who exited last Saturday’s game and is listed as week-to-week.
Some encouraging news has recently been shared via the Bruins regarding an update on one of their two injured defensemen. Grzelcyk joined his fellow teammates in practice for the first time, albeit in a non-contact jersey. Head coach Jim Montgomery gave a positive update on one of the injured defensemen as well:
‘I think he’s slightly ahead of schedule as far as the reports I’ve heard.”
”Today was his first day with the group as it was scheduled to be, and he’s non-contact. I don’t know how long he’s non-contact, but right now, he’s non-contact.”
Grzelcyk was suffering from a shoulder injury for the majority of last season, which he suffered last January and required offseason surgery to repair the issue. It was clear all season long that Grzelcyk was dealing with immense pain as he looked uncomfortable on the ice, which led to his struggles. Thanks to his toughness, he was on the ice on a nightly basis. He was originally projected back in November, but that may come sooner.
The Bruins will look forward to having Grzelcyk back when he is ready to go, as he will slide back into a top-four role. With newly hired head coach Jim Montgomery emphasizing the Bruins’ defensemen being involved offensively, it may be Grzelcyk’s time to shine, as this will play to his strengths.
In 307 career regular-season games, he has recorded 19 goals and 79 assists for 98 points while sporting a plus-78. While he may be undersized, in the right system, he could thrive as a puck mover who isn’t getting exposed in the corners with a bigger body matchup. Look for Grzelcyk to set new career highs in goals, assists, and points once back on the ice playing his average workload.
The Bruins are still expecting Charlie McAvoy to be out till December and will await their top defenseman’s return, as he is the leader and anchor of the Bruins’ blue line. In the meantime, Jakob Zboril, Mike Reilly, Anton Stralman, Hampus Lindholm, Brandon Carlo, Derek Forbort, and Connor Clifton will have to hold down the blue and help keep the Bruins afloat.
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