Bruins will not be fully healthy to begin 2021-22 season
The Bruins will be down one fourth-line forward for the start of the 2021-22 season.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 11: Curtis Lazar #20 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on May 11, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Bruins are not expected to start the season fully healthy, as fourth-line forward Curtis Lazar will be out on a week-to-week basis, according to Bruce Cassidy.
“[Lazar] has an upper-body [injury] that’s going to requite a little more time — because of the inflammation — to get an exact diagnosis," Cassidy said following Friday's practice at Warrior Ice Arena. "But right now, we’re going to list him as week-to-week and hopefully it’s in the short end of that than the long one.
"But give him a few days then we’ll have a better idea."
Lazar had spent all of Boston's training camp as the right winger on the team's fourth line with Tomas Nosek in the middle and Trent Frederic at left wing.
With Lazar out, and with Chris Wagner waived, the Bruins are seemingly down to three contenders for their fourth-line opening, with Anton Blidh, Karson Kuhlman, and Jack Studnicka the team's current options. (The Bruins could, of course, bring Wagner back up for the start of the season should he clear waivers.)
Lazar, who was acquired from Buffalo as part of the Taylor Hall trade last deadline, scored two goals and four points in 17 games with the Bruins last spring, and added an assist in 10 postseason appearances.
Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.
