Bruins Notebook: Reinforcements on way for B's - but a set return remains murky for Ondrej Kase

If the Bruins return to Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday, there stands a chance that a number of reinforcements could be on the way.

The B's, who have been off the ice and under quarantine procedures since four players joined Sean Kuraly on the NHL's COVID-19 Protocol list on Friday, still need to undergo more testing on Wednesday morning before getting the green light to skate once again. Bruce Cassidy remained hopeful that Boston will be able to practice with at least a majority of the roster later that evening — with a Thursday-night matchup against the Islanders still scheduled, for now.

"I'm not not aware of any players that have been symptomatic," Cassidy said when speaking with reporters via Zoom on Tuesday evening. "We are trending well. As I said, we have one more testing round to go through tomorrow morning. Assuming that those come back negative — everybody that has a negative will be able to get back into the facility.  We will practice. And then we'll get ready to play the Islanders on Thursday.  We'll make whatever lineup adjustments — depending on if there is a positive test and a guy has to stay in the protocol list or go onto the protocol list."

Of course, whether it be four of the players currently on the COVID-19 list (Kuraly has already been ruled out for Thursday, while David Pastrnak, David Krejci, Craig Smith and Jake DeBrusk are still TBD), or any other skaters that were part of the Buffalo/Pittsburgh traveling party, there stands a chance that a number of regulars in the B's lineup might still not get clearance to play by Thursday.

But beyond just COVID-19 complications, the Bruins were already shorthanded for the past month-plus due to a slew of hockey-related injuries — with Cassidy signaling that a number of these players could be back practicing as soon as Wednesday, if all testing goes well.

Here's a full rundown of the Bruins' exhaustive list of injured players — and who could potentially return in the next few days.



Brandon Carlo (upper body), Zach Senyshyn (upper body) & Jeremy Lauzon (fractured hand): While all of the players that were part of that traveling party to Buffalo and Pittsburgh have been limited in terms of access to Warrior Ice Arena over the past couple of days, the injured skaters that stayed behind in Boston have been able to hit the ice, with Carlo, Senyshyn and Lauzon all skating and making progress from their respective injuries.

"A few of them will be skating and have skated. Carlo's been on the ice. Lauzon has been on the ice. Senyshyn's been on the ice. So those guys — I don't know that they'd be ready to play Thursday that quickly. But at least they're back skating. I've always said that. That's their chance."

Obviously, given how challenging head injuries can be in terms of determining a set recovery timeline, Carlo's return might be more of a day-to-day evaluation. But Lauzon, who was expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks with a fractured hand earlier this month, is right in line with his estimated return. Senyshyn, who impressed in his lone game with Boston this season as a fourth-line spark plug, has been skating with the club's skating and skills coach, Kim Brandvold. 

"I talked to Kim Brandvold — said he feels good, skating well," Cassidy said of Senyshyn. "I think he'll need live practice and contact before he can answer (if he's cleared). So right now, I would say trending well in his recovery, but needs to be involved in traffic ... not overly physical, but normal wear and tear of a hockey practice where you're battling. And then we'll make that determination. So he's close."

Kevan Miller (knee): While Miller has also been skating with Carlo, Senyshyn and Lauzon, he is not on a same timeline in which, if all goes well, he could potentially play on Thursday against New York. Miller, who has suffered a setback with his surgically-repaired knee, has not played in a game since back on February 18.

"Kevan Miller was getting through everything with flying colors and all sudden hit a wall there and and has needed some time off. ... He is skating, but will not be available right away," Cassidy said of Miller.

John Moore (undisclosed): It remains to be seen when Moore will get back in the lineup for Boston, with Cassidy announcing on Tuesday that the veteran defenseman underwent surgery for an undisclosed ailment. There is not set timeline for his return. Moore has appeared in five games with Boston this season, the last coming on Feb. 26 against the Rangers.

Jarred Tinordi (upper body): Despite the concerning optics of Tinordi slamming into the boards during Tuesday's win over the Penguins, Cassidy said that the big-bodied defenseman  could be back at practice this week — so long as he, like other players on the recent traveling party, passes testing procedures on Wednesday.

"Tinordi has an opportunity (to play), if he practices with us," Cassidy said.

Trent Frederic (lower body): Frederic, who was injured during Thursday's win over the Sabres after blocking a shot, is pretty much in the same boat as Tinordi as banged-up skaters from this recent road trip. So long as the pesky bottom-six skater clears testing protocols, he could return to practice as soon as Wednesday.

"Yeah, Frederic is — I think the last guy I forgot that was injured," Cassidy said. "Anybody that was on the trip is limited in what they can do in terms of getting in the facility. Freddy was on the trip so he's another guy that's feeling better, but he's gonna have to get on the ice and practice with us. And when I say that, I mean every guy has to clear their last hurdle of protocols, so let's make that assumption that if they're on the ice, well, they have to." 

Tuukka Rask (undisclosed): Rask, who hasn't played since March 7 due to an undisclosed injury, is expected to practice on Wednesday with the group. It remains to be seen whether a few practices are enough to clear him to start Thursday, but he's getting closer to a return.

"Tuukka is expected to join us for practice as well," Cassidy said. "Now whether that's enough time to get back in the net right away. But if he makes it through practice then obviously he's a real possibility for Thursday, if not Saturday."

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No timeline for Kase

As for Ondrej Kase, who entered the season as the potential solution for the vacancy to David Krejci's right on the second line, Cassidy wasn't able to provide a clear timeline for the winger's return.

"Kase has skated," Cassidy said. "But again, such an unknown with him. You almost have to go forward assuming that'll be gravy if he gets back in.  Because it's been a long time — the second game of the year."

Kase, who seemed to suffer an apparent concussion after taking a hit from Devils winger Miles Wood back on Jan. 16, has not been spotted in any full practices since then — with Cassidy's comments seeming rather ominous when it comes to charting out just what Boston can expect out of the 25-year-old forward this season. Kase unfortunately does have a lengthy history of concussions during his time with Anaheim, which, when factored into the already difficult recovery timelines when it comes to brain injuries, clearly adds to the level of concern here.

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At this point, it's fair to assume, as Cassidy said, that any potential contributions that Kase provides this team in 2021 will be a luxury, with an already top-heavy offense in need, once again, of a more stable top-six winger at the trade deadline — if Don Sweeney and Co. opt to add more pieces to the roster in the next few weeks.