As we approach the last weekend of the regular season, the Bruins’ roster appears to be almost complete.
And with that in mind, the Bruins made a roster change on Friday, assigning defenseman Mason Lohrei to AHL
Providence. The Bruins are concentrating on getting Lohrei some playing time rather than keeping him out as a
healthy scratch, which is why Lohrei was sent back to the minors after leaving Friday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena
sooner than the rest of his teammates.
When asked about Lohrei’s early departure, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery responded, “We didn’t want him to
extend too long in practice if we decided to [send him to the AHL].”
The team verified Lohrei’s transfer to the minors ninety minutes later.
Lohrei, who has been back with the Bruins for over two full months, has only appeared in three games since March
14 and was a healthy scratch in the three games prior to Friday’s trade that sent him back to the P-Bruins. In 14
games during his most recent NHL stint, Lohrei recorded one goal, seven points, seven hits, and sixteen blocks.
With his demotion, Lohrei effectively solidifies his position as Boston’s eighth defenseman for the remainder of the
season. Should the Bruins lose a member of their seven-man NHL blue line group, Lohrei will be the first player
called back up to Boston.
Regarding the player immediately in front of him on the Boston depth chart, defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk,
Montgomery has stated that he will be starting for the Penguins on Saturday in Pittsburgh.
Additionally, based on Friday’s practice, Shattenkirk and Andrew Peeke will skate together on Boston’s third pairing,
positioning Parker Wotherspoon as the team’s healthy scratch at the back end.
