Boston Bruins blueliner Matt Grzelcyk will not play in tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The team announced that the 27-year-old is tending to a lower-body injury. His timetable for a return is unknown at this time.
Bruins Matt Grzelcyk Out with Lower Body Injury
The defenceman had hurt his left arm on Monday night in their game against the New York Islanders, but was able to return for the home opener on Thursday night. During the game, Grzelcyk went to retrieve a puck behind his net during the second period when he lost an edge and crashed into the boards. Grzelcyk then had to hobble off of the ice. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has classified the injury as ‘day-to-day’.
The Charlestown, Massachusetts native was drafted in the third round in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He has appeared in four games this season and has two assists on the year. Last season in a similar role with the team, Grzelcyk put up a career best season. In 68 games last season he put up four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. He is currently on a four year extension that he signed this fall which pays him just over $3.3 million each season.
What This Means for the Team
Grzelcyk has taken on an increased role on the Bruins blue line with the loss of Torey Krug to free agency this offseason. The two seasons prior to this one he had broken into the top four and been playing about 18 minutes per night. He has also seen some special teams time while playing for the Bruins powerplay unit. Teammate Jakub Zboril will likely see a bump in minutes in his absence, as will teammate John Moore. Zboril had played 18 games on loan over in the Czech league for HC Kometa Brno, notching one goal and eight points. John Moore has yet to play this season and could see his debut in replacement of Grzelcyk.
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