Derek Forbort has been a pillar of the Bruins blue line since the 2021–2022 campaign. Every team wants to have a defeseman like him since he is a tough shot-blocker, and penalty killer, on defense. Players like that always have trouble staying healthy.
Don Sweeney addresses the media about his defenseman
Don Sweeney shared some shocking facts with media when he discussed his team after the NHL trade deadline.
One of Sweeney's top six defensemen and leading penalty killer, Derek Forbort, will be sidelined due to injuries, and Sweeney informed the media that he would miss the remainder of the year.
Don Sweeney said #NHLBruins Derek Forbort's season is likely over. Put on LTIR today.
Has been «playing through two significant injuries.» One «for sure» requires surgery, the other one «quite possibly could.»
The Bruins' time with Forbort and his career so far
Forbort has played in 35 of the 65 games the Bruins have played this season, averaging 17:47 minutes per game. He has just four assists. Furthermore, he averages 3:00 per game shorthanded, a very important category.
Forbort has participated in every game during his three seasons with Los Angeles from 2016 to 2019. But in all that time, he has only made one appearance in more than 60 games since.
The Bruins' chances of making it far in the postseason will be severely hampered by Forbort's anticipated 2023–2024 season-long absence.