The Boston Bruins announced on Monday night that left-winger Matt Beleskey injured his right knee and will miss up to six weeks. In addition, the team announced that Frank Vatrano was able to join the team for practice on Tuesday.
Matt Beleskey Out Six Weeks
The 28-year-old Beleskey, who joined the Bruins as a free agent before the 2015-16 season, has put up five points in 24 games this season, and earned 37 in his first season in Boston. His previous seven seasons were spent as a member of the Anaheim Ducks.
Beleskey’s injury occurred in the first period of the team’s 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres. He left the ice without assistance after an incidental knee-on-knee hit from Buffalo’s Taylor Fedun. No penalty was assessed on the play.
Frank Vatrano Returns to Practice
.@Frank_Vatrano on the ice with the group today pic.twitter.com/t0LFrvCPJw
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 6, 2016
Vatrano scored 11 points in 39 games with Boston last season, as well as 36 goals with the AHL‘s Providence Bruins. He suffered torn ligaments in his foot shortly before training camp opened, and was unable to skate until last week. It is possible that he will be able to join the team in a full capacity soon. He may spend some time in Providence for conditioning. It is not likely that he will be able to fill the gap left by Beleskey’s absence, but the Bruins system does have an abundance of centers playing wing, such as Ryan Spooner.
Main Photo
