Earlier this week, Boston Bruins Coach Claude Julien declared that there wouldn't be any more health updates on Nathan Horton, the Bruins' forward out with what was described as a "mild" concussion following a Tom Sestito hit on Jan. 22.
"I can't give you an update every day on this guy because it could be long, it could be short," said Julien.
But after a few days, Julien did offer another update on Friday, and it wasn't good news: Horton has stopped taking solo skates due to concussion-related symptoms. So put a vote down in the "it could be long" column.
"He's been pulled back," Julien said. "He's got some symptoms. So we've pulled him back. It's hard for me to come out every day with a step forward, step backward. He's back to square one. We're giving him some time here. Those symptoms, once he got on the ice, came back."
The loss of Horton, of course, sent ripples through the Boston lineup as he's a top line player. Milan Lucic has 2 goals and an assist since Horton's injury, but has only scored 12 of his 40 points without Horton on ice (per Dobber).
More dramatically affected: David Krecji, who has one assist in six games since the injury has scored five of his 39 points without Horton on the ice. Krejci has been dropped to the third line.