After March surgery, Derek Forbort is set to return to the Bruins

Don Sweeney didn’t have much good news to offer regarding Derek Forbort’s health in early March.

Boston’s decision to add more toughness to its blue line at the trade deadline with Andrew Peeke was partly a byproduct of Forbort’s status — nagging injuries prompting the veteran defenseman to go under the knife.

“One of the things that obviously came out today was about Derek Forbort, and we went and put Derek on (long-term injured reserve),” Sweeney noted on March 8. “People should realize that Derek played through two years with significant injuries. One definitely requires surgery, and the other very likely could.

“So much, real congratulations and a testament to Derek’s character to be that ultimate team player and play through significant pain and injury.”

What a difference a few months can make.

Once seemingly ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, Forbort wore a regular sweatshirt Monday before Boston’s Game 2 against the Maple Leafs.

Although the 32-year-old skater won’t play Monday, Jim Montgomery acknowledged that the stay-at-home D-man is getting closer.

“He’s not an option tonight,” Montgomery said of Forbort. “He’s making progress and hopefully in the near future he might be an option.”

Forbort was recalled by Boston on Monday after being on a conditional loan with the Providence Bruins in an effort to get back up to speed. He played two games in the AHL this weekend.

“(He was) better in the second game than the first,” Montgomery said. “The timing was better.”

Forbort skated alongside Parker Wotherspoon during Monday’s morning skate and is expected to travel to Toronto later this week for Games 3 and 4.

“I’m just trying to get my legs back, timing, seeing how I feel,” Forbort said. “I am getting closer. I’m trying to do as many extra things as possible to get the conditioning and strength back. It’s fun to feel normal again.

Forbort acknowledged that he is well ahead of his original recovery schedule, with his last game taking place on March 2. Forbort was limited to just 35 games during the regular season, recording four assists and averaging 17:48 of ice time per game.

“The time frame we got from the surgeons was longer than what we got here. What do they know? » said Forbort.

Although Peeke has helped solidify Boston’s third pairing since his arrival last month, the Bruins should welcome any reinforcement that may be available during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“It’s nice to see Forby there, obviously I think he played a few games at Providence. Good for him. Obviously he fought and even before he got hurt he was fighting against it,” Jake DeBrusk said of Forbort’s return. “It’s one of those things where he’s very tough, you see him blocking shots and playing tough minutes and on that side you can be bothered in different aspects.

“So to have him back in the mix – I know he loves hanging out with the guys, so it’s good for him and his mind.” At the same time, any reinforcement at this time of year is a good thing.