The Boston Bruins have a bit of a situation among their bottom-six forwards, and it could force GM Don Sweeney to add someone ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

B’s head coach Jim Montgomery told reporters last week that center Tomas Nosek, who suffered a foot facture on Jan. 19 against the New York Rangers, had a setback in his recovery. Nosek was a fixture on the Bruins’ bottom-six forward group and penalty kill units prior to the injury.

“Skated one day. Didn’t go well. He’s off-ice. We’re going to wait a little bit,” Montgomery said, according to Matt Porter of the Boston Globe.

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• Nosek was already projected to be re-evaluated in four weeks, which falls on Thursday, Feb. 16. Now that Nosek has had a setback, his status to return at all seems up in the air. This situation could ultimately spring Sweeney into action at the trade deadline.

  Even if Nosek is able to return at some point this season, even if it’s in the playoffs, the Bruins could use another NHL-caliber center for depth and insurance purposes. But if they want to make a strong move, one interesting name to keep an eye on is the Blues’ Ivan Barbashev, a left-shot forward capable of playing any forward position and killing penalties. Barbashev has already been the subject of trade rumors ahead of the deadline.

  There are other two-way centers that would make for strong additions to the Bruins’ roster, who are playing for non-contending teams that sound like sellers at the deadline. With that in mind, keep an eye on the Sharks’ Nick Bonino and the Coyotes’ Nick Bjugstad.

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  CALGARY, AB – DECEMBER 22: Ivan Barbashev #49 of the St Louis Blues in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on December 22, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

• The 2023 NHL trade deadline officially passes at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, March 3. But it’s quite possible that the Bruins, and other top contenders, make moves well ahead of that time. We’ll keep you covered on everything as it relates to the Bruins here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Click here for complete Boston Bruins coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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