Marchand returns to Bruins' lineup a month ahead of schedule

Apparently, Brad Marchand recovers quickly.

The Boston Bruins star returned to the lineup much earlier than anticipated, suiting up Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings.

Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said he'll sit Marchand in back-to-backs in the early going, so he won't play Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Bruins activated Marchand and added him to the active roster shortly before Thursday's game. Boston assigned defenseman Mike Reilly to the AHL in a corresponding move.

While Marchand's early return may take many by surprise, the talented pest had targeted Thursday's game for a long time.

"We had this date circled on the calendar months ago," he said. "We obviously wanted to keep it kind of close (to the vest). There are a lot of different variables ... but I responded really well. I've got to give a ton of credit to the training staff. They did a phenomenal job."

Marchand underwent surgery to repair both hips on May 27 and was given a six-month recovery timeline, but he's back exactly one month ahead of schedule.

The Bruins managed to go 6-1-0 in his absence, putting them atop the Atlantic Division. Boston is also set to get workhorse defenseman Charlie McAvoy back in about a month.

Marchand, 34, is coming off another productive season in which he tallied 32 goals and 48 assists through 70 games in 2021-22.

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