Taylor Hall participated in a non-contact jersey during the team’s skate at Warrior Ice Arena, and Nick Foligno skated solo beforehand. Both forwards are working towards returning from injuries in time for the playoffs.
**On the negative side**, head coach Jim Montgomery announced that defenseman Derek Forbort is likely out for the rest of the regular season due to an injury he sustained last week in Winnipeg. Montgomery confirmed that Forbort doesn’t need surgery but is not expected back before the end of the regular season.
Forbort suffered a lower-body injury on Thursday after blocking a shot during the second period of the Bruins’ 3-0 win over the Jets. He was ruled out for the remainder of the road trip, which included back-to-back weekend games, and is now expected to miss several weeks.
The 31-year-old Forbort has averaged 17:44 on ice this season, with five goals, seven assists, and a plus-12 rating. He also leads the team in shorthanded ice time, averaging 3:08 per game for the NHL’s top penalty kill unit.
Despite the setback, the Bruins were prepared with the acquisition of Dmitry Orlov before the trade deadline, ensuring an extra defenseman was available. Forbort’s absence solidifies a regular six-man defensive unit comprising Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Orlov, Brandon Carlo, Connor Clifton, and Matt Grzelcyk.
Regarding Hall and Foligno, who have been sidelined for weeks, Montgomery mentioned there is no set timeline for their return. Both are progressing well, but they’re still not close to rejoining the lineup.
The NHL-leading Bruins face a busy schedule, with eight games in the next 13 days, starting Tuesday night with a home game against Ottawa.
