Hampus Lindholm’s Season in Doubt as Knee Injury Requires Additional Surgery

Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to a significant knee injury, general manager Don Sweeney confirmed. Lindholm suffered the injury on November 12 while blocking a shot against the St. Louis Blues. Since then, he has not returned to play. The injury involved a fractured patella that required surgery, and the team has been cautious about setting a specific recovery timeline due to the complexity of the injury.

Lindholm’s Recovery Continues as Bruins Manage His Absence on Defense

Lindholm’s recovery has been progressing, but he will undergo a follow-up procedure next week to remove hardware that has caused irritation during rehabilitation. Sweeney stated that despite the lengthy healing process, Lindholm has not experienced any setbacks. However, full recovery will still take time, and the team remains patient, avoiding setting a strict date for his return. The primary focus is on ensuring his knee heals properly to avoid future complications.

Lindholm, in his third full season with the Bruins since being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in 2022, has been a crucial part of the team’s defensive core. With 313 career points in 762 regular-season games and 25 points in 79 playoff appearances, his absence is a significant blow to Boston’s defense. This season, he had already contributed seven points in 17 games while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game.

Lindholm Stays Positive While Bruins Face More Injury Challenges with McAvoy

Reflecting on his injury, Lindholm acknowledged the frustration of being sidelined but remained optimistic about returning stronger. In a statement on January 15, he joked about needing to “drink more milk” after the unfortunate incident. He emphasized that injuries are a part of professional sports and that he is doing everything possible to ensure a strong comeback when he is fully recovered.

In addition to Lindholm’s injury, the Bruins are also dealing with uncertainty regarding defenseman Charlie McAvoy. McAvoy was hospitalized due to a shoulder injury and infection sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off while playing for the United States. While his condition is improving, there is no clear timeline for his return. The Bruins, currently at 27-24-7, suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday and will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in their next game.