Zdeno Chara, Torey Krug among Bruins not traveling to China

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It was reported last week that Patrice Bergeron would not be traveling to China for the preseason due to his groin surgery rehab. Now, two key components of the Bruins blue line will not be traveling either.

It was reported by NHL.com’s Amalie Benjamin that both Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, and Torey Krug will stay behind to continue preparing for the 2018-19 regular season.

Krug broke his ankle during Game 4 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning and is still recovering. Chara is unable to play in the China games, as he’s 41 years old and wants to avoid being worn down.

Other Bruins not traveling include Noel Acciari, Danton Heinen, Anders Bjork, and Sean Kuraly.

Coach Cassidy chatting with media here at the Boston Bruins Foundation Golf Tournament at The International in Bolton.Says Noel Acciari, Zdeno Chara, Danton Heinen, Torey Krug, Sean Kuraly won’t travel to China.Trent Frederic, JFK, and Jack Studnicka will make the trip. pic.twitter.com/ClVuVCkcDt

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 4, 2018

Acciari had hernia surgery during the offseason and is still recovering. Anders Bjork is still recovering from his shoulder surgery back in February. Heinen and Kuraly will not be making the trip as they both made the Bruins trip to China back in July as part of a promotional event.

Ultimately, the players just want to remain healthy for the regular season. With these players not going, it will give the Bruins prospects a chance to show what they’re made of.

Jack Studnicka, Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, and Trent Frederic will be making the trip to China to fill in the holes at center ice. Studnicka, Forsbacka-Karlsson, and Frederic are all candidates to land a spot on the Bruins roster.

The Bruins and Flames will face-off on September 15 in Shenzhen and September 19 in Beijing as part of the 2018 NHL China Games (both reportedly will be televised).

Chara and Krug combined for 83 points (21 G, 62 A) during the 2017-18 regular season campaign.

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