Training camp buzz: Elias Lindholm returns to Bruins practice after 9 days away

Welcome to the 2024-25 NHL training camp buzz. Training camp is underway and NHL.com has you covered with all the latest news.

Boston Bruins

Elias Lindholm returned to Bruins practice Sunday wearing a non-contact jersey. The 29-year-old forward missed nine days with an undisclosed injury. Additionally, his son, Luka, was born on September 23, as he announced via Instagram on Thursday.

“It was good to see him,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said Sunday. “Plays are being made, he’s finishing plays. He’s killing plays in the (defensive) zone. You can see his hockey sense, his intelligence. The problem is he’s not up to speed yet. “

Lindholm participated in the first on-ice practice of training camp on September 19, but has been absent since. On Sunday, he took his place on the front row between Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak.

“It was really fun to be back and play with those two,” Lindholm said. “I thought we got some good looks in the first practice, and I’m really excited to get started and learn more about them.”

Lindholm said he hopes to play one or two preseason games before the Bruins open the regular season against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 8 at Amerant Bank Arena (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+, ESPN, SN, TVAS ). Boston has three preseason games remaining: against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and the Washington Capitals on October 5.-Joe Pohoryles

Washington Capitals

Rasmus Sandin is expected to play his first preseason game when the Capitals visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT), after the defenseman missed the start of training camp while awaiting his new visa in Sweden.

Sandin arrived in Washington Tuesday evening and skated Thursday and Friday. He took his skating test at training camp on Saturday.

“He skated yesterday, did his skate test, did brilliantly, got a little extra skate,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said Sunday. “He looked good today, so he’s ready to ride for tomorrow.”

Sandin said he skated in Sweden with a group of unsigned players while waiting for his visa issue to be resolved, so he could at least maintain his fitness.

He will also likely play in Washington’s preseason finale against the Boston Bruins on Saturday to prepare for the regular season opener against the New Jersey Devils on October 12.

“It took a little longer, but at least I’m here now and back with the team,” Sandin said. “At the time it was frustrating, but it was nice to have contact with some of the guys on the team too and that calmed me down a bit. But finally here and happy to be back.” –Tom Gulitti

Edmonton Oilers

Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard left the game at 11:58 of the first period during a 5-4 preseason victory over the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Saturday, following a collision in its territory.

Oilers forward Noah Philp collided with Pickard, breaking up a pass in front intended for Kraken forward Yanni Gourde with Seattle leading 2-1.

Pickard was thrown backwards and remained on the ice for a few moments. He got up, was assessed by Oilers head athletic therapist TD Forss, and went to the locker room, replaced by Olivier Rodrigue.

Coach Kris Knoblauch said after the game that there was no update on Pickard, who needed to be evaluated, and that the team hoped to know more on Sunday.

Pickard is expected to support Stuart Skinner this season. He was 12-7-1 with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage in 23 games (20 starts) last season, and was 1-1 with a goals against percentage of 2.21 and a save percentage of .915 in three games (two starts) last season. the Stanley Cup playoffs. –Derek Van Diest

Pittsburgh Penguins

Erik Karlsson has stopped skating following an upper body injury.

The defender has been a daily presence since Pittsburgh opened training camp on September 18. Karlsson skated on an individual basis before three practices from September 21-24.

On Wednesday, Karlsson had a day off planned. He did not return to the ice the next day before the Penguins left on Friday.

The 34-year-old athlete will not skate this weekend, coach Mike Sullivan announced Saturday.

“We’ll go from there,” Sullivan said. “It’s just part of the rehabilitation process and where he’s at right now.”

Sullivan was asked Thursday if he thought Karlsson would be ready for the Penguins’ regular-season opener against the New York Rangers on Oct. 9.

“I’m confident he’s going to progress here,” Sullivan said. “So right now his status is day to day. I know our group is working with him. Progress is being made. So I’m confident we’ll be successful.”

Karlsson, who will likely remain on a defensive pairing with Marcus Pettersson when healthy, led Pittsburgh defensemen with 56 points (11 goals, 45 assists) in 82 games last season after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks. Jose in a three-team trade involving the Montreal Sharks. Canadians on August 6, 2023. –Wes Crosby