BREAKING: Bruins activate another veteran defenseman from long-term injured reserve

The Boston Bruins activated defenseman Derek Forbort from long-term injured reserve over the weekend, making him available for the remainder of the series. Forbort, aged 32, had been sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to a lingering lower-body injury that dated back to October. The Bruins made the decision to place him on LTIR towards the trade deadline, anticipating his absence for the remainder of the regular season to free up cap space for other acquisitions like Pat Maroon and Andrew Peeke.

Forbort’s last game in the NHL was a 5-1 loss to the Islanders on March 2. Throughout the regular season, he made 35 appearances, the fewest since the 2019-20 season, and notably did not score a goal, a departure from his previous seasons. Despite this, he contributed four assists and maintained a positive +8 rating while averaging 17:48 of ice time per game.

Initially signed to a three-year, $9 million contract in free agency in 2021, Forbort joined the Bruins as a solid shutdown defender, showcasing his ability by controlling 53.1% of expected goals during the 2021-22 season. While he continued to excel as a penalty killer, his role at even strength gradually diminished over the course of his contract, impacting his possession metrics.

If called upon for playoff action, Forbort will be ready, having recently completed a conditioning stint with AHL Providence where he posted a – rating in two appearances. Despite his limited role in the regular season, Forbort has been a consistent presence in the Bruins’ playoff games, participating in all 14 matches in 2022 and 2023, contributing two assists and maintaining a – rating while averaging 16:54 of ice time per game.