By: Tom Calautti | Follow me on Twitter @TCalauttis
Labor Day weekend is over, and it finally feels like hockey is coming. Players from all levels of the Bruins organization gathered at Warrior Ice Arena this morning for the first team-organized on-ice offseason activities. Here’s how it went down:
Swayman Skates
Despite ongoing contract negotiations looming heavily over his head, goaltender Jeremy Swayman took the ice and participated fully in today’s practice. The all-star netminder was his usual jovial self, laughing with teammates between drills and reacting excitedly following big saves or highlight reel goals. Bruins fans may be on pins and needles over this contract situation, but Swayman himself showed no signs of concern.
Swayman shared the crease with newly acquired Joonas Korpisalo and Providence Bruins standout Brandon Bussi. The rotation seemed relatively even between the three, with no clear indication of who will take on the backup role ahead of training camp. Swayman didn’t speak to the media following practice, but his presence should be encouraging.
Marchand Recovering from Surgeries
Perhaps the biggest (non-Swayman) story to come out of captain’s practice was the notable absence of Captain Brad Marchand. It wasn’t until reporters were ushered to the locker room that Marchand appeared and fielded questions. He covered a litany of topics, but the most surprising was his admission that he underwent multiple surgical procedures this summer.
“I had three surgeries this summer,” said Marchand during the media scrum. “So I didn’t do a whole lot of training until about two weeks ago. I don’t know if (the media) were all here, but I was skating by myself.”
Marchand confirmed that he underwent elbow, groin, and abdominal surgeries this offseason. He later addressed his timetable for return, stating that he’s “trying to be ready for camp or, if not, very shortly after.”
Poitras Participates Fully
Sophomore center Matt Poitras took another step in his recovery, participating for the entire practice without limitation. Poitras took part in Bruins Development Camp at the beginning of July but was noticeably absent during the Friday scrimmage portion. It’s important to note that this scrimmage was by no means full-contact, but it’s encouraging to see the second-year forward checking off boxes and inching closer to a return.
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