Bruins reveal true reason for Joona Koppanen's call up

The Boston Bruins made the call to bring up forward Joona Koppanen while demoting Chris Wagner shortly after their western road trip, and now they've revealed the reason as to why. 

According to head coach Jim Montgomery, it's an injury to Tomas Nosek that's hindering his ability to take face-offs that necessitated the call up, though Nosek continues to play.

“One, he’s a really tough player,” said Montgomery when asked why Nosek continues to play. “And he’s been a huge part of our success. He builds our game really well from our goal line right through to their goal line. We think he’s invaluable so that’s why [he keeps playing]…he’s at no risk at getting further injured so there’s no worry there.”

The Bruins center has scored three goals and seven points in 38 games this season while playing a key role in the face-off circle as well as penalty killing. And he'll be playing on a line with Nick Foligno and Koppanen tonight at TD Garden against the Seattle Kraken; it will be Koppanen's National Hockey League debut. 

Tonight's game will begin from Boston at 7:00 PM EST.