Hampus Lindholm likely out for season, no timeline on McAvoy

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney announced Sunday that defenseman Hampus Lindholm will likely miss the rest of the season, while Charlie McAvoy doesn't yet have a clear timeline for a return, according to Conor Ryan of the Boston Globe.

Lindholm appeared in just 17 contests this season before suffering a lower-body injury in November. Sweeney said Sunday that he fractured his patella, which required surgery.

McAvoy hurt his shoulder representing the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He played a game after sustaining the injury, and the Bruins are reportedly unhappy with the way Team USA took care of their top blue-liner.

Sweeney declined to comment on that situation, per Ryan.

McAvoy's initial timeline was reportedly week-to-week. He and Lindholm make up Boston's No. 1 defensive pair when healthy.

The injuries are a blow to a Bruins team fighting for a playoff spot. Boston sits one point out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference but has played more games than each team it's chasing.

The Bruins haven't missed the postseason since 2015-16, and the battle in the standings could force them to sell off assets with the March 7 trade deadline looming.