BOSTON — Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference is “progressing” in his attempt to return from a lower-body injury, according to head coach Claude Julien.

Julien updated on the veteran’s status after his team’s optional morning skate at TD Garden. Ference skated on his own prior to his teammates taking the ice.

Although Ference will not travel with the team tonight for Friday’s game on Long Island, Julien would not rule out a return to action by next Tuesday’s game at Columbus. Ference has been out since Feb. 26.