01:00 AM EDT on Friday, September 30, 2005

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins' coaching staff and management had to make a difficult decision yesterday.

With the season-opener fast approaching (Wednesday), the roster needed to be trimmed, so the club assigned eight players to Providence, including defenseman Jonathan Girard.

Girard is on the cusp of a dramatic comeback after being involved in a near-fatal car accident on July 24, 2003. It was obvious during training camp, however, that the 25-year-old defenseman had lost a step. But he is determined to return to the form that made him the Bruins' first pick (48th overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and one of the keys to the team's success in 2002-03.

"It was very difficult," said Bruins head coach Mike Sullivan. "We obviously admire and have the utmost respect for what he has overcome to get to this point. But, for us, it is our responsibility to try to put the best team on the ice for the regular season. That's not to say Jonathan is out of the picture, because he's not. He hasn't played hockey in two years, and to ask him to step right in where he left off would be unfair."

Girard, who signed a one-year qualifying offer with the Bruins on Aug. 10 for just under $1 million, has 24 hours to clear waivers. There also are some insurance issues concerning his eligibility. Because he was unable to play due to the accident, he likely received an insurance settlement, under which there is a certain number of games he can play before deciding to accept it and retire or pay it back and continue to play.

"He obviously has some decisions to make," said Sullivan. "We're hopeful that he will have an opportunity to play in more games in Providence and get comfortable in game situations. But it was a difficult decision. To his credit, he came into camp in terrific shape. He is an inspiration to all of us."

The vehicle Girard was operating near his hometown of Rawdon, Quebec, overturned, and he was trapped inside it for 45 minutes. He suffered a broken pelvic bone, lost a lot of blood, broke two vertebrae, suffered several lacerations and had fluid in his lungs.

He has made a remarkable recovery, but may need some time in the AHL to make his transition back to the NHL smoother.

Also sent to the P-Bruins were forwards Zdenek Blatny, Eric Healey, Pat Leahy, Eric Nickulas, Tyler Redenbach and Nate Thompson, and defenseman Mark Stuart.

Around the boards

Sergei Samsonov (back) participated in his first full practice with the team yesterday and looked sharp, said Sullivan. Samsonov is hoping to be in the lineup for the final preseason game, against the New York Rangers, tomorrow at the Garden. The real test will come today, when he sees how his body feels after the workout. . . . Winger Brad Isbister left the ice midway through practice yesterday due to back spasms. . . . Forward Travis Green (groin) skated prior to the team's practice yesterday. . . . Dave Scatchard (groin) still has not skated.