BOSTON – With the announcement that Bruins forward Nathan Horton will not return to the Stanley Cup Final, it was no surprise to see some changes at the B’s pregame skate in TD Garden this morning.

Caron

A native of Sayabec, Quebec, Caron has been skating with the Bruins ‘Black Aces’ throughout the playoffs thus far, but today was skating with the varsity club, pregame.

Caron spent the majority of the year with the Providence Bruins, but did start the season on the Boston roster and played 23 games with the B’s. In those 23 contests, Caron collected three goals and four assists for seven points, including one game-winner.

Caron has been watching the Bruins playoff run from the press box, and was excited yesterday when he found out he would be taking the ice for today’s morning skate.

“I got the call yesterday afternoon. Don Sweeney texted me and told me I was going to practice with the team today and we’ll see from there. I think we’ll see what’s going to happen tonight,” Caron said.

While participating in the pregame skate is a step in the playing direction, Caron has received no word on if he will be in tonight’s line-up.

“Right now I’m just the extra guy, and you never know what can happen. So [as] the extra player, I just need to be ready,” said the 20-year-old forward.

Caron hasn’t played a game since the conclusion of the P-Bruins season, but has been working out with the other B’s call-ups and feels read to get into game action.

“It’s a bit different,” Caron said of skating with the Aces.

“We’re just five guys out there and it’s hard to keep the pace very high for an hour, you’re only five guys. I think Butch [Providence Assistant Coach Bruce Cassidy] did a good job of keeping us ready and if I have to play, I’ll be ready.”

Caron skated alongside Daniel Paille and Chris Kelly in the team’s morning skate, but with the lines still a question mark for the B’s, Caron doesn’t know where he’ll fit in, or even if he’ll get the call.

Should Caron find himself scratched come puck drop, he is still glad to have the experience of being around the team during this exciting time for any hockey player.

“It’s the Stanley Cup Final, so just to be around the team and playing practice with them and stuff,” he said.

Should he find himself in the line-up, Caron will be ready to go.

“I think it’s going to be different. I’ve never played a game after that long of a rest. If I had to play,” he said.  “I think there’s going to be so much excitement that I think I’ll be ready.”