Brad Marchand has officially returned to the Boston Bruins after undergoing a procedure on both hips this summer. To make room for the veteran, general manager Don Sweeney made an interesting roster move, assigning one of his defensemen to the AHL.

As per Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic:

''Bruins assign Mike Reilly to Providence to clear Brad Marchand's roster spot.''

Reilly cleared waivers prior to the season, so he was able to pass through freely this time. That's probably the only reason for the transaction, as you would risk losing any other player to a waiver claim.

The Bruins needed to clear a roster spot for Marchand, but it was only to stay at a 23-man roster and not to get under the cap since he wasn't on LTIR. However, when Charlie McAvoy is ready for return, it will be for cap purposes.

Possibly a trade coming for the Bruins before McAvoy comes back?