Caron gets chance to be part of Bruins squad on sport’s biggest stage

Caron/By S. Bradley

BOSTON — With Nathan Horton out with a severe concussion, Bruins head coach Claude Julien still wants to have 23 available players prior to game time.

So that’s why rookie Jordan Caron joined the team for its morning skate today and will take the warm-up tonight at TD Garden prior to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

“Jordan has an opportunity to live that same experience that we’ve been giving [Tyler Seguin] and [Steven] Kampfer, a young player that we feel is a big part of our organization,” said Julien this morning. “Besides the game, you look at ways to help your young players grow. I think that’s one of the ways, as well.”

Caron, who this season put up 3-4-7 offensive totals in 23 regular-season games for Boston, said assistant general manager Don Sweeney informed him via text that he would be joining the big club instead of skating with the “Black Aces.”

“It’s the Stanley Cup Final, so just to be around the team and playing practice with them and stuff, if I get the call I’ve got to be ready,” he said. “It should be fun.”

Hopefully Caron isn’t too worn out after weeks of practicing with the “Aces.” Obviously with no games to play, those workouts can be quite strenuous.

“Yeah I think so. It’s a bit different,” said Caron. “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 has yet to even be in the locker room pregame for a playoff game, let alone a Cup Final game. So even if his services aren’t required tonight, he’ll be better prepared for the future.