The Bruins have activated Hampus Lindholm (lower body) from injured reserve and sent Michael Callahan back to Providence prior to Tuesday’s game against the Islanders.

While the B’s still have Jonathan Aspirot here to plug into Callahan’s spot if need be, it would seem that this means the return of Lindholm, who has played only three games this season. He left the second game of the season with the injury and returned to the lineup on October 18 in Colorado but had not played since then. He was skating and practicing with the team last week.

Coming off a 7-2 drubbing in Ottawa, the B’s defense corps could definitely use a shot in the arm and, if healthy, Lindholm could certainly provide it. The lingering injury was made more concerning by the fact that the defenseman had his season ended last year on November 12 after suffering a broken knee cap. He needed two surgeries to repair it.

The Bruins head into Tuesday’s game having lost seven of their last eight games while the Islanders, who have dynamic first overall pick Matthew Schaefer on their blue line, are going the other way. The Isles have gone 4-0-1 in their last five.