Bruins Injury Updates: Krejci ‘A Possible’ For Season Opener, Nordstrom Placed On IR

For the first time since suffering a lower-body injury just over a week ago, Boston Bruins center David Krejci skated with his teammates for part of practice Tuesday after a session with trainers and assistant coaches just prior to practice. During the Bruins media day press conference Tuesday after practice, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said it’s “possible’ Krejci could be ready to play in the team’s season opener at Dallas on Thursday.

“You know, it’s to be determined still. He worked his way back out there for practice, and hopefully, he’ll continue to do the same, so we’ll evaluate him every day. He’s a possible,” general manager Don Sweeney said.

This was a bit less optimistic than what Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy has been preaching since Krejci got hurt.

“He skated today, I talked to him and he’s progressing well,” Cassidy said following practice Monday. “We’d like to obviously see him get back into live action with us. He hasn’t played a lot in the preseason so these battle drills are important now, but it is what it is so we don’t want to risk further injury. So that’s where he’s at right now.”

Krejci did see some live action Tuesday and while that was a positive, the team’s second line center who tied his career-high in points with 73 last season, wasn’t making any promises about his status for the opener against the Stars Thursday.

“I would hope so, I would love to play, but I can’t give an answer right now,” Krejci said after practice Tuesday. “I skated [Monday] and today with the team a little bit — so, obviously, that means I feel a little better. It’s hard to given answer right now.”

Newcomer Par Lindholm has been skating in Krejci’s center slot on the second line between wingers Jake DeBrusk and Karson Kuhlman.

Nordstrom Placed On Injured Reserve

Sweeney told the media at the press conference that Joakim Nordstrom (foot) would not be ready for the season opener and later in the day, the team announced that the Swedish forward had been placed on injured reserve.

Sweeney Plans To Use LTIR

Sweeney was also asked about the possibility of using long-term injured reserve with defenseman John Moore and/or Kevan Miller and acknowledged that the team is figuring that out. He also mentioned forward Anton Blidh as a potential LTIR candidate. The Bruins – who currently have $1.1 million in salary cap space – are trying to figure out which player could help them the most when it comes to gaining some extra space via LTIR.

Yes. …we’re working hard to find out what our best capture will be,” he said. “[John] Moore and [Andton] Blidh will not start with us.”