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

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.

Three days ago marked two months since Boston Bruins defenseman was injured, and on Wednesday he finally spoke to the media for the first time since suffering his injury.

The Boston Bruins had practice on Jan. 27, and it was a notable one for the Original Six club. Both Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy practiced in regular jerseys with the Original Six club for the first time since being injured.

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.

Boston Bruins head coach Joe Sacco told reporters that forward Oliver Wahlstrom will not be traveling with the team for their Jan. 28 contest against the Buffalo Sabres due to an illness. With this, the 24-year-old forward will not be in the lineup against Buffalo.

The Bruins have fought the injury bug while battling to remain among the NHL’s playoff contenders with under three months remaining in the regular season.

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.

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,

The Washington Capitals signed goalie Logan Thompson to a six-year extension. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

Hampus Lindholm, out since Nov. 12 with a lower-body injury, was also a full participant in practice for the first time since going down in St. Louis after taking a shot off the knee. Like McAvoy, he will not travel to Buffalo but is closing in on a return to game action.