Bruins forward Nathan Horton says he is healthy, ready to play

By Fluto Shinzawa

Globe Staff / January 10, 2013

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The Bruins currently have approximately $57 million in salary committed to their 2013-14 roster. By placing Marc Savard on long-term injured reserve, they can exceed the $64.3 million cap by the center’s $4,083,333 average annual salary. But their first order of business will be to re-sign Tuukka Rask. The goalie will be a restricted free agent after this year. It is difficult to project whether the Bruins will have enough cap space — or interest — to bring Horton back.

Regardless of his 2013-14 destination, Horton is playing for his next contract. And he is happy to be playing, not worrying about his health.

“I really haven’t thought of it,” Horton said. “I’m not even worried about my head. I’m not worried about contact, getting in a fight, or anything like that. It’s really in the back of my head.

“I’m looking to the future. I haven’t thought of it. I feel better than I have in a long, long time. I’m just happy to feel good.”

. . .

Peverley, Daniel Paille, and Aaron Johnson joined the informal practices Thursday for the first time this week. The Bruins signed Johnson on July 18, 2012, to a one-year, $650,000 contract. Last year, the defenseman had 3 goals and 13 assists in 56 games for Columbus. With the status of Adam McQuaid unknown for the start of the season, Johnson is in the mix for a job on defense . . . Krejci and Anton Khudobin have yet to practice . . . General manager Peter Chiarelli and coach Claude Julien watched Thursday’s practice. They did not attend any of the practices at Boston University this week.

Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawa@ globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeFluto.