Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm is ready to move past last season’s setback.
During an appearance on “32 Thoughts: The Podcast,” Lindholm told Elliotte Friedman he feels fully recovered from the fractured patella that limited him to just 17 games in 2024-25.
“I’m doing great,” Lindholm said, as transcribed by Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News. He added that the long layoff gave him time to reset, focus on rehab and prepare to return stronger.
Lindholm has been training in Sweden with Rögle BK, skating at full speed and taking contact during scrimmages. He explained that working in a camp environment has accelerated his recovery and given him confidence to enter Boston’s preseason without restrictions. He confirmed to Friedman he will be available when the Bruins open the season.
Boston missed Lindholm’s presence on the back end after he was injured in November blocking a shot from St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk. At the time, he had produced three goals and seven points while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game. The Bruins leaned heavily on Charlie McAvoy, but the absence of their other top-pairing defenseman left a void in both defensive stability and puck movement.
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When healthy, Lindholm is a steady two-way contributor. He tallied three goals and 26 points in 73 games during the 2023-24 campaign after posting a career-best 53 points and a plus-49 rating in 2022-23. His blend of size, skating and poise makes him a critical piece of Boston’s blue line.
The Bruins open their season against the Washington Capitals in 46 days. With Lindholm set to return, the defense looks significantly stronger heading into 2025-26. His presence should be a major boost for a team with playoff aspirations.