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,

The Bruins host the Jets on Thursday. Lindholm, who is currently on Long Term Injured Reserve has been out since suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues. McAvoy had been out since Jan. 11 with an undisclosed injury.

With the trade speculation intensifying after the blockbuster Mikko Rantanen deal, here are some thoughts on some possible Bruin trade chips.

“He’ll be out (Monday) again and then we’ll just see how he progresses after,” Bruins interim coach Joe Sacco told reporters after Sunday’s practice. “Like I said he was going to be out through the weekend then we’ll re-evaluate him after that and see where he’s at."

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 Boston Bruins will be without Charlie McAvoy due to an undisclosed injury. Joe Sacco has explained the situation but hasn't delved into what caused it.

With a 5-1-1 record (11 of a possible 14 points) banked away, the Bruins have certainly done their part to stay afloat in a crowded-beyond-belief Eastern Conference playoff picture. They’ve essentially done that without their top defensemen,

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Brandon Carlo for fantasy hockey. Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo (illness) is a game-time decision for

Bruins defenseman Michael Callahan more than held his own in his second career NHL game, helping Boston beat the Senators.

The Bruins currently sit on the cusp of a playoff spot, but they have played more games than their opponents, and Brad Marchand's name has come up in trade talks.

The Boston Bruins have been destroyed by injuries this season. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman was the latest casualty, going down with an upper-body injury in Wednesday’s loss to the New Jersey Devils, and is listed as day to day.