By: Chris Nosek

The Boston Bruins have been struck by the injury bug. It started with Jordan Harris who suffered an ankle injury on October 21st. Then, Elias Lindholm suffered a knee-on-knee hit from Jordan Greenway on October 30th. Both players have been put on Injured Reserve. Since then, John Beecher and Casey Mittelstadt have suffered injuries and have been out of the lineup. After Saturday’s game against Montreal, Charlie McAvoy will likely be added to the list of injuries. He took a shot to the face, left the game, and did not return.

The Bruins are going to face a decision of who to place on waivers. So here we’ll review each players status regarding waivers.

Jordan Harris

As previously noted, Harris suffered his ankle injury on October 21st. When the team decided to put him on injured reserve, it was retroactive to this date. He has already missed the required time and can return when he is healthy. He would be eligible for a conditioning stint in Providence. However, he would have to pass through waivers in order to remain in Providence. Discussing long-term injury reserve would be more necessary if the Bruins were closer to the salary cap. If the need arises, they are able to put him on LTIR retroactively. For now, that’s not an issue, and would not change the situation in regards to waivers.

Michael Callahan

Callahan was called up from Providence on October 22nd, the day after Harris suffered his injury. Callahan spent a total of 6 days on the NHL roster, and played in 3 games. He was then sent back to Providence and Jonathan Aspirot was recalled. If Callahan gets another call up from Providence, he can play in 7 games. Alternatively, he can remain on the roster for 24 days. After that, he must clear waivers to go back down. Depending on how severe Charlie McAvoy’s injury is, Callahan might be needed to provide depth. This is especially true if Aspirot has to play on the right side because McAvoy misses time.

Jonathan Aspirot

As previously mentioned, Aspirot was called up from Providence on October 28th in replacement of Michael Callahan. After subbing in for Henri Jokiharju for Saturdays tilt against the Canadiens, Aspirot has played in 7 games. Once he plays 3 more, he will have to pass through waivers to return to Providence. If the team opts to keep him out of games then the date to circle is November 28th. That day will mark his 30th day on the NHL roster.

Alex Steeves

Alex Steeves was called up November 8th as a result of the injury to Casey Mittelstadt. He has been on the NHL roster for 8 days and has played in 4 games. This means he won’t need waivers until he plays in 6 more games or 22 more days. The idea of keeping cohesion on the second line is gone. Arvidsson is likely to land on injured reserve. This means, Sweeney is more likely to try to manipulate Steeves around waivers. Given all the other lineup changes, I wouldn’t expect anything with Steeves until after the upcoming road trip.

Other Notes

Charlie McAvoy took a puck to the face during the game on Saturday and did not return after. This left Andrew Peeke as the teams only right shot defenseman because Henri Jokiharju wasn’t dressed for the game. If McAvoy ends up missing some time, then an additional decision needs to be made. Jonathan Aspirot has been able to slide over and play the right side. So they’ll have to have him continue to do so, or recall someone else from Providence.

Mittelstadt and Beecher can be put on injured reserve retroactive to their injuries. This would open a roster spot for the team to use now. If neither is ready to return, they will likely put one or both on injured reserve. This would allow another forward or two to travel on the upcoming road trip. Both have missed enough time that they would be able to return anytime after being put on IR retroactively.

Lastly, for those who care, the Bruins aren’t in a position that requires long-term injured reserve. Currently they have the cap space to keep everyone on injured reserve. However, if they continue to suffer injuries, then that might be worth discussing. The Bruins are in first place in the division. This standing gives them some room to remain patient. They do not need to make rash decisions.

It remains to be seen what decisions get made by Don Sweeney and Marco Sturm. We are certain of one thing. Each decision they make will be met with rational thought and no over reactions from Bruins fans.