Boston Bruins

Charlie McAvoy’s Injury Creates Long-Term Issues For Bruins (And Hockey)

Published

1 month ago

February 19, 2025

Photo courtesy of the Boston Bruins/@NHLBruins on 𝕏

BRIGHTON, Mass. — Charlie McAvoy suffered an injury playing for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off. As a result, he won’t play for his country on the biggest stage when the U.S. faces Canada in the tournament’s championship game.

Ultimately, though, that is only one game.

After the 4 Nations concludes and Team USA disbands, McAvoy will still be injured, and the Boston Bruins will have to deal with the lasting effects.

When the Bruins return to play on Saturday, McAvoy will not and likely won’t for some time afterward.

“I don’t have a timetable for his return yet,” Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco said Wednesday at Warrior Ice Arena. “I wouldn’t expect him in the short term.”

According to a statement released on Wednesday from Bruins head team physician Dr. Peter Asnis, McAvoy injured the AC joint in his right shoulder during Team USA’s game against Finland on Thursday in Montreal and underwent treatment administered by Team USA’s medical staff. He played again on Saturday versus Canada but developed increasing pain after returning to Boston on Sunday.

A series of X-rays, MRIs, and bloodwork performed by the Bruins’ medical staff revealed that McAvoy’s injury was worse than initially believed and had become infected. He was admitted to Mass General Hospital late Monday night, where he underwent an irrigation and debridement procedure. As of today, McAvoy’s condition has improved, but he remains in the hospital and is being treated with IV antibiotics.

Injuries are, of course, a part of hockey. But in McAvoy’s case, it’s almost too difficult to comprehend.

“When you break a bone, you physically can’t play, but these little things– like an infection, or whatever it is–it kind of stings that much more because, depending on what it is, you feel like you can play,” Bruins forward Charlie Coyle said. “You feel like you can do it, but there’s something going on there that you need to be cautious of. It stinks either way because we all want to go out there, and we’re competitive, especially Charlie. You just hate hearing that. I hate seeing that.”

McAvoy’s impending absence is compounded by the fact that the Bruins are also still without Hampus Lindholm. The defenseman has missed the last 39 games with a lower-body injury that he suffered in mid-November. Although he’s been skating for several weeks, Lindholm is still yet to be a full participant in practice and won’t be ready to return following the break, either.

No surprise here, but Joe Sacco says the #NHLBruins do not expect Charlie McAvoy back in time for when they resume their schedule on Saturday against ANA. There is no timetable for when he will be back, but Sacco said, "I wouldn't expect him in the short term." Also said there is…

— Andrew Fantucchio (@A_Fantucchio) February 19, 2025

Sitting a point back of the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, the Bruins were already facing an uphill battle over the final 25 games of the season. Without McAvoy and Lindholm for the time being, the push for the postseason is now more steep.

“Let’s face it–obviously, they’re two really good defensemen for us,” said Sacco. “They play a lot of minutes for us so, but we’ve done it in the past. We’ve played some good hockey without them. I would expect our guys to open their eyes to the challenge.”

Even beyond how it affects the Bruins’ playoff hopes, McAvoy’s situation has raised questions over whether the risk of a player suffering an injury is worth the honor of competing in international best-on-best tournaments.

“It’s hard for me to answer that,” Sacco said. “Of course, you never want to see anyone get injured, especially one of your own. Other teams are dealing with some injuries too from that tournament as well. We just want Charlie to recover as quickly as he can. We’re just hoping for the best.”

Discussions over the issue will only continue to circulate, especially with more NHL players set to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games a year from now. As far as the players themselves see it, though, there is no debate.

“You dream to play for your country and playing in the Olympics and World Championships,” Bruins forward David Pastrnak said. “I definitely wouldn’t think twice about it.”