It’s been a long, cold month without Charlie McAvoy patrolling the ice, and Bruins fans have been feeling the void. The star defenseman has been sidelined since Feb. 15 after taking a tough hit to the shoulder during the USA-Canada clash at the 4 Nations Face-Off. What started as an AC joint injury turned into an unexpected hospital stay due to an infection, keeping McAvoy out of action even longer. His last game in a Bruins jersey? Feb. 8. Since then, Boston has been sliding fast, taking L after L, and with their playoff hopes dimming, the team seems to be signaling that a rebuild is on the horizon. But just when fans were starting to lose hope, a flicker of good news finally arrived.
Head coach Joe Sacco had an update that gave Bruins Nation something to smile about. “Well, Charlie’s—if you saw today—he’s out of the red jersey, into a black jersey, which is the next step in his progression,” Sacco shared, hinting that McAvoy is moving in the right direction. The defenseman even got some initial contact work in, though there’s still no set return date. “Obviously, it’s exciting. We had him back on the road trip for a portion of it, and now in practice, he’s in a more competitive environment.” So, while it’s not quite a ‘cue the comeback music’ moment just yet, things are finally moving in the right direction. And now, Charlie McAvoy opens up about the Bruins’ tough stretch as his coach gives the latest update on his comeback journey.
When the press fired a question at Charlie McAvoy about setting an example while battling through rehab, he didn’t shy away. “Obviously, I think it’s important. I think we’re in a spot that we haven’t been in yet,” he admitted. His focus? Grinding every single day, putting in the work to “try and work every single day to put myself in a position to potentially play this year.” He knows the road ahead is uncertain, but he’s not letting that stop him. “What will happen will happen,” he said, fully aware that the outcome is out of his hands—but the effort? That’s all him.
More than just the rehab grind, McAvoy is embracing his role within the team. “To be a part of the group every day, to try and set an example, to try and get closer every day with these guys, to build relationships—that’s what I’m identifying right now as really what I’m trying to accomplish.” Whether it’s in the locker room, at practice, or just being around the squad, he’s making sure his presence is felt. Injured or not, Charlie McAvoy is still in the fight.
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