The Boston Bruins got some good news during this tough season. On Tuesday in Anaheim Charlie McAvoy was back on the ice in a non-contact sweater. He’s not ready to play yet but just being here has lifted the team’s spirits.
McAvoy Back on the Ice
Interim coach Joe Sacco said McAvoy won’t play during this road trip but it’s good to have him around.
“It’s good to have him here, it’s good to see him with his teammates,” Sacco said. “I just think it’s a good morale boost for the team to have him around.”
McAvoy suffered a big AC joint injury and subsequent infection in his shoulder during Team USA’s first game of the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off against Finland in February. He was in the hospital for three nights and was released just hours before Team USA’s championship loss to Canada.
McAvoy Speaks Out: “I’m Just Happy to Be Here”
For McAvoy, being back with the guys is a welcome change after weeks of uncertainty and pain. Talking to the media in Anaheim, the Bruins’ alternate captain was just happy to be here, even if it’s just practice.
“I’m just glad to be out here with the guys and just get back into the swing of things,” McAvoy said. He said he’s feeling good but not rushing his recovery.
When asked about reports he was unhappy with the medical staff from Team USA during the 4 Nations tournament, McAvoy didn’t want to dwell on the past.
“I know what I went through. I know how I feel about it,” McAvoy said. “I’m not really sure how other people felt. To be honest I didn’t think about it when I was going through it all. … I’ll just leave that there. It’s been a lot. It’s tough. Whatever. We’re out the other side now and like I said I’m just happy to be here.”
No Timeline for McAvoy’s Return
With 10 games left in the season, the Bruins are in dire need of help—especially on D. But Sacco said McAvoy’s health is the top priority.
“He’s progressing the way he should be right now,” Sacco said. “He’s not pushing himself any more than he has to. When he’s available, he’ll be in the lineup.”
The Bruins are in a 6 game losing streak and McAvoy’s return can’t come soon enough. But for now, they’re taking it slow to make sure he’s 100% before he gets back in the lineup.
A Morale Boost
Even though McAvoy isn’t ready to play yet, having him at practice has already lifted the team’s spirits. As one of the Bruins’ most reliable D and leaders, McAvoy brings a sense of calm and confidence the team needs during this tough stretch.
“It’s a good boost for the team to have him around,” Sacco said. And it’s hard to argue with that. McAvoy’s determination to get back and be with his teammates is an inspiration to everyone in the room.
Why McAvoy’s Back Matters
As an alternate captain and one of the Bruins’ top 2 defensemen, McAvoy’s leadership and skill can’t be replaced. He controls the pace of the game, breaks out of the zone cleanly and contributes offensively. He’s a key part of the roster.
For a team that’s struggling with inconsistency and injuries, McAvoy’s return could be the spark to turn the season around. Just having him on the ice at practice is a reminder of what the Bruins can do when healthy.
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