The Bruins have not had Lindholm and McAvoy anchoring their D corps together since the former suffered a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues.

The Bruins are set to receive a lift in the coming days, as Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy were regular participants in practice Monday.

Lindholm remains on long-term injured reserve and will miss his 35th straight game against Buffalo on Tuesday. However, he is progressing toward a return. Lindholm has three goals, seven points, 35 shots on net and 17 blocked shots across 17 appearances this season.

Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm both returned to Bruins’ practice on Monday. Neither will play on Tuesday at Buffalo, but their return signals a significant step in their efforts to return to the lineup.

The Bruins expected far more when they signed Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract on July 1. But this looks like his level.