The Boston Bruins were left scrambling this season after losing key players on the blue line, and one of the biggest blows came early: Hampus Lindholm went down just 17 games in. A blocked shot against the St. Louis Blues on November 12 resulted in a fractured patella, abruptly ending the veteran defenseman’s campaign.
Frustrating process going through, especially also not being able to be out there and help the guys out the way the season’s been going since then.
Lindholm said Thursday at Warrior Ice Arena, speaking to reporters in his first full update since the injury.
For that aspect, it’s been really frustrating. It’s a process to get back. That’s what I’ve been focusing on, stuff that I can control he added, reflecting on the rehab grind and mental challenges of being sidelined while Boston’s playoff hopes unraveled.
The Bruins, who ultimately missed the postseason, clearly felt Lindholm’s absence, particularly on special teams. The 30-year-old defenseman had been a mainstay on both the penalty kill and power play units.
Although the original injury offered what Lindholm called a structural upside that gave him hope for a quicker return, trying to fast-track the process ultimately backfired.
I had some luck within the bad luck when I got the fracture within my knee.
Everything stayed in tact. There’s no long-term worries for my injury. That led to maybe coming back a little too early and pushing it too hard on the ice too early, which made me take some setbacks.
Had to go back in and reassess it and take out a little piece that was bugging me from coming back a little too early he continued, shedding light on why his return attempt stalled.
Lindholm said.
Bruins Medical Staff Shut Down Hampus Lindholm
The Bruins medical staff ultimately recommended shutting Lindholm down for the remainder of the year—an especially tough call for a player who prides himself on his consistency and two-way value.
Frustrating because I want to be out there helping the team, but that was what the team and the doctors decided with me was best for the long term. With the injury, we knew I was going to heal fully. That made the setback that I couldn’t play the rest of the year with the timing of it.
he explained.
Still, there’s optimism surrounding his return. Lindholm has ramped up full-body workouts and is targeting mid-May to return to skating.
That timeline sets him up to be fully operational by training camp, a boost the Bruins will badly need heading into next season.
Lindholm’s presence on the blue line has always been about more than just defense. His poise in transition and calm play on special teams make him one of Boston’s most reliable blueliners when healthy. And he knows it’ll take effort to reclaim that role.
I’m comfortable with it.
Lindholm said of fighting for his spot.
I think it’s something you’ve got to earn every night you get out there. That’s how it should be. It’s something I work for every summer to get better at and be able to help the team win hockey game. I think that’s one aspect I’m improving each year.
he added, striking a determined tone as he looks ahead.
The Bruins may have stumbled this season, but with Lindholm’s recovery trending positively, they’re poised to get a key piece of their defensive core back.
His return could anchor a much-needed reset for Boston’s blue line—and their ambitions in 2025.
Bruins after dark 