An already depleted Boston Bruins blue line has taken another hit.

The team announced on Wednesday that defenceman Adam McQuaid will be out six-to-eight weeks with a broken thumb. The injury occurred in Tuesday night's 2-0 win over the St. Louis Blues.

The Bruins are already without the services of defencemen Zdeno Chara (knee, injured reserve) and Kevan Miller (upper body, injured reserve), while rearguard Dougie Hamilton is day-to-day with flu-like symptoms.

In 20 games played this season, the 28-year-old Charlottetown, PEI native has a goal and an assist. In his sixth NHL season, all with the Bruins, McQuaid averages over 19 minutes of ice-time a night.

The Bruins, currently third in the Atlantic Division, are next in action on Friday when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets.