Boston Bruins defenseman Urho Vaakanainen could return to the lineup as soon as Thursday.

The 28-year-old Vaakanainen, who hasn’t played since February 19 vs. the Senators, was back out on the ice today for the pregame skate in a non-contact jersey. Cassidy says the defenseman could return either Thursday vs. the Blackhawks or Saturday vs. the Coyotes.

“He was back out today — he was non-contact, so that’s good,” Cassidy said. “Get him through today’s practice and then assuming there’s no setbacks we’ll start talking about whether it’s Thursday or Saturday.”

The Bruins on the Kings Saturday night at the TD Garden to start a three-game homestand, following the 12-day trip that included six games. Read pregame notes here.

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