Bruins' Horton cleared for contact

Jul 24, 2012 - 8:52 PM Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton has been cleared for contact and is expected to return to the lineup in time for the start of the upcoming season.

The Globe revealed on Tuesday that general manager Peter Chiarelli said the team's medical staff has deemed the 27-year-old ready for action.

Horton missed the final four games of the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup triumph after absorbing an illegal hit from Vancouver's Aaron Rome. Over 21 postseason appearances, he totaled eight goals and 17 points.

Despite a comeback at the start of last season, he was sidelined for good after January 22 in the wake of sustaining another concussion due to a hit by Philadelphia's Tom Sestito.

In 46 games, the Ontario native picked up 17 goals and 32 points.

Chiarelli also indicated that defenseman Adam McQuaid has been cleared for contact, having recovered sufficiently from a concussion suffered late last season.