Bruins Practice Notes: Recalls, Ritchie Skating, No Bergeron

The Boston Bruins took the ice this morning at Warrior Ice Arena for practice to prepare for their matchup with the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday in Newark. The club had a new face on the ice, as forward Brendan Gaunce skated with the group. Gaunce was recalled from AHL Providence. Also on the ice was defenseman Urho Vaakanainen, who had been assigned to Providence last night.

Vaakanainen’s recall could be a sign that Torey Krug is not yet ready to return to action. Krug was placed on IR over the weekend, but the hope was he could return for Tuesday game. That appears to be in doubt at this moment. Krug did not practice with the team, but did skate before it on his own.

Gaunce gets his first recall as a member of the Bruins. The veteran AHL’er played three games and had three points (1 g, 2 a) with the Vancouver Canucks a season ago. He’s played eleven games and has seven points (4 g, 3 a) with Providence so far this season. Gaunce signed with the organization on July 1st as a free agent. Patrice Bergeron did not skate Monday, so Gaunce appears to be insurance for the Bruins top center. Bergeron is day-to-day and did not play on Saturday night.

There was also positive news surrounding forward Brett Ritchie. He skated with the main group and wore a black uniform. He has been cleared for contact and appears to be close to a return. Ritchie has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury. Ritchie skated on the third line Monday morning. Jake DeBrusk also skated with the main group at Bruins practice.

Bruins Lines

Here’s a look at the Bruins lines from Warrior Ice Arena.

Brad Marchand – David Krejci – David Pastrnak
Anders Bjork – Charlie Coyle – Danton Heinen
Jake DeBrusk – Par Lindholm – Brett Ritchie
Joakim Nordstrom – Sean Kuraly – Chris Wagner
Brendan Gaunce

Zdeno Chara – Charlie McAvoy
Brandon Carlo – Matt Grzelcyk
Urho Vaakanainen – Connor Clifton
Steven Kampfer