Veteran Bruins Blue-Liner Cleared For Training Camp
Hampus Lindholm is expected to be at full strength when the Boston Bruins open training camp Sept. 17.
Entering a year defined by roster changes and new leadership, the 31-year-old defenseman’s return will be a boost for a blue line that missed his presence for most of last season.
Lindholm’s year was cut short after just 17 games due to a fractured kneecap suffered in November, halting a promising start in which he posted three goals, four assists and logged nearly 21 minutes per game.
Now healthy, Lindholm confirmed his status in a conversation with Boston Globe hockey writer Kevin Paul Dupont. “Enjoyable phone chat this week with Hampus Lindholm,” Dupont wrote on X. “B’s veteran D’man says fractured kneecap is fully healed — and he is 100 pct go for Sept. 17 start of camp. Hopes to be w/ Three Crowns (Sweden) in Milano-Cortina for ‘26 Games.”
Since arriving at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline, Lindholm has been a critical two-way presence for Boston. His first full season with the club saw him set a career high with 53 points in 80 games while averaging more than 23 minutes per night.
That versatility — strong skating, sharp puck movement and an ability to contribute in all situations — makes him an ideal left-side complement to Charlie McAvoy.
Lindholm returns to a left side that now features Mason Lohrei coming off a 33-point breakout and Nikita Zadorov bringing a reliable defensive edge. With Marco Sturm steering the bench, the team has the pieces for both stability and growth.
For Lindholm, the start of camp on September 18 will be more than a return to health. It will be an opportunity to reestablish himself as a pillar of Boston’s defensive corps.