The Bruins have not had Lindholm and McAvoy anchoring their D corps together since the former suffered a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues.

The Bruins are set to receive a lift in the coming days, as Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy were regular participants in practice Monday.

A debate has arisen regarding whether the Boston Bruins should demote top defenseman Charlie McAvoy once he returns to the lineup. Charlie McAvoy has been out of the lineup since Jan.

The Boston Bruins are reeling after a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. However, on Wednesday, there was encouraging news about the return of one of the team’s top two defensemen.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is still recovering from an undisclosed injury with no set return date.

Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm both returned ... and that it wasn’t gonna be a problem for that,” the Boston Bruins defenseman told reporters after Monday’s practice.

Sure, the Boston Bruins were without three of their top defensemen – Charlie McAvoy (wrist), Hampus Lindholm (knee) and Brandon Carlo (ill) – but Boston’s overall defense was terrible during a 7-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm both returned to the Boston Bruins’ practice Monday. Neither will play Tuesday night at Buffalo, but their return signals a significant step in their efforts ...

The McAvoy family grew after Charlie McAvoy’s wife Kiley, gave birth the couple’s first child on Sunday morning.

This is exciting news for the Bruins, as Lindholm and McAvoy are two of their top defenders. Skating in regular jerseys is a major step in the right direction for the pair. However, they won't be back in the lineup just yet, as head coach Joe Sacco said they won't be options against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 28.

The Bruins, back in the playoff hunt after a 5-1-1 stretch, take on a Sabres team at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.