By Andrew Bluestein | Follow Me On Twitter @adbblue
The Boston Bruins have moved defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to LTIR and will not be available to return until November 25th. It was also announced Tuesday that defenseman Charlie McAvoy will be suspended four games for his hit on Oliver Ekman-Larsson against the Florida Panthers.
Now down two players on the back end, the Bruins have recalled three defensemen from AHL affiliate Providence. Ian Mitchell, Parker Wotherspoon, and Mason Lohrei will join the big club.
Parker Wotherspoon
Wotherspoon was a 2015 fourth-round pick of the New York Islanders. The 26-year-old has spent just about his entire career in the AHL, playing 293 games for the Islanders affiliate in Bridgeport. He’s only appeared in 12 NHL games for the Islanders last season, where he recorded one assist.
This season, he’s played six games for the Providence Bruins, recording one assist. The 6’1 left-shooting defenseman appeared in two preseason games for Boston but did not record any points. Wotherspoon is a stay-at-home defenseman who’s not afraid to throw his body around or jump in front of shots.
Ian Mitchell
Mitchell has appeared in two games for Boston this season, recording one assist against the Anaheim Ducks on October 22nd. The 6’0 right-shooting defenseman was acquired during the offseason in the Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno with the Chicago Blackhawks.
The 24-year-old is a good skating, offensive-minded defenseman who can move the puck well. In two games with Providence in the AHL, he has one assist. Mitchell has a history with Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, whom he played for when they were both at the University of Denver in the 2017-18 season.
Mason Lohrei
Lohrei is a highly touted prospect in the Bruins organization and raised eyebrows during the preseason. The 2020 second-round pick appeared in four preseason games with a goal and an assist. His offensive ability is what stood out most during the preseason.
The 6’5 left-shooting defenseman has played seven games down in Providence, recording four assists. The organization wanted him to work on his defensive game a bit more, which is why he started the season in the AHL. Being called up presents an opportunity for the 22-year-old. If he gets in the lineup, he could convince the front office and coaching staff that he belongs in the NHL.
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