When Don Sweeney met with the media on Feb. 23 to talk about the health of Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins general manager used the opportunity to soften the ground a little bit to prepare people for what was likely coming not far down the road.

The trade deadline is less than a week away, and things aren’t looking so hot for the Bruins. They just recently broke a five-game losing streak that included their first three games after returning to play from the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The Boston Bruins currently do not have a playoff spot, and they are expected to make roster changes by this week's trade deadline. Pending unrestricted free agents like Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau appear to be the most likely to be traded by the Bruins.

Hampus Lindholm is “unlikely to return this season,” and there is no timetable for Charlie McAvoy’s return to action, according to general manager Don Sweeney, who met with reporters following Bruins practice Sunday at Warrior Ice Arena.

The Boston Bruins struggled on Tuesday night as they dropped a 6-3 decision against the Nashville Predators at the TD Garden.