REAKING: Bruins Reeling as Key Defenseman Hampus Lindholm Undergoes Surgery, Set to Miss Start of 2025 Season

The Boston Bruins were dealt a serious blow this week as it was revealed that veteran defenseman Hampus Lindholm underwent major surgery and is expected to miss the start of the 2025 NHL season. The news comes as a crushing development for the Bruins, who have leaned heavily on Lindholm’s poise, experience, and defensive reliability over the past few seasons.

According to team officials, the 31-year-old Lindholm recently underwent a significant medical procedure to address a lingering lower-body injury that had been bothering him throughout much of the 2024 campaign. While the organization declined to provide specific medical details, sources close to the team confirmed that the surgery was “extensive” and required a longer-than-usual recovery window.

Lindholm’s absence will be felt deeply in the Bruins’ defensive corps. Since being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in a high-profile trade during the 2021-22 season, the Swedish blueliner has solidified himself as one of Boston’s most dependable two-way defensemen. His ability to log heavy minutes, quarterback the power play, and provide stability in the defensive zone made him a key piece of the team’s identity.

Last season, Lindholm skated in 71 games despite nagging injuries and still managed to contribute 27 points (6 goals, 21 assists) while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per night. His on-ice presence will be difficult to replicate, especially as the Bruins navigate a highly competitive Atlantic Division.

The Bruins’ blue line, already in a period of transition following recent seasons of roster turnover, now faces additional pressure as training camp looms just months away. With Lindholm projected to miss at least the first few weeks—and possibly months—of the 2025 season, younger players and depth defensemen will be tasked with stepping up in his absence.

Montgomery pointed to names like Mason Lohrei and Jakub Zboril as players who could see expanded roles early in the season. There’s also speculation that the team may look to add a veteran defenseman in free agency or via trade to help stabilize the lineup.

For Bruins fans, the news is especially painful given the emotional investment in Lindholm’s role with the team. After years of inconsistent blue line depth, his arrival helped restore a sense of order to Boston’s defensive structure. His strong skating, intelligent stick work, and ability to transition play from defense to offense have been vital in the team’s playoff pushes.

This isn’t the first time Boston has had to cope with key injuries to critical players, but the timing is particularly tough as the organization continues to chase another Stanley Cup before the current core ages out of contention. With Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo still anchoring the top pairings, there remains hope that the Bruins can weather the early-season storm.

Still, Lindholm’s absence will be a looming storyline as the team prepares for the 2025 campaign. Recovery timelines for surgeries of this nature can be unpredictable, and while the Bruins remain hopeful for a return before the All-Star break, there are no guarantees.