Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton has been
cleared for contact and is expected to return to the lineup in time
for the start of the upcoming season.
The Globe revealed on Tuesday that general manager Peter Chiarelli said the
team's medical staff has deemed the 27-year-old ready for action.
Horton missed the final four games of the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup triumph
after absorbing an illegal hit from Vancouver's Aaron Rome. Over 21 postseason
appearances, he totaled eight goals and 17 points.
Despite a comeback at the start of last season, he was sidelined for good
after January 22 in the wake of sustaining another concussion due to a hit by
Philadelphia's Tom Sestito.
In 46 games, the Ontario native picked up 17 goals and 32 points.
Chiarelli also indicated that defenseman Adam McQuaid has been cleared for
contact, having recovered sufficiently from a concussion suffered late last
season.
The Sports Network