Charlie McAvoy returning to the Bruins lineup weeks ahead of schedule
McAvoy had surgery on his left shoulder back in June, will make season debut against the Flames
The Boston Bruins will be welcoming back Charlie McAvoy to their lineup on Thursday night against the Flames.
McAvoy missed the first month of the 2022-23 season due to shoulder surgery. He will join a Bruins team that boasts the best record in the NHL.
Head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed McAvoy’s return at the team’s Thursday morning skate.
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“Your observations yesterday were accurate,” Montgomery told reporters. “He’s checked all the boxes.”
McAvoy’s return comes approximately three weeks ahead of schedule of his targeted date. The 24-year-old had left shoulder surgery back in June and was expected to miss six months.
“We’re very fortunate with the D corps that we have,” Montgomery said. “We don’t need him to play 24 minutes, but I expect him to play 20 tonight.”
When fully healthy, McAvoy is a Norris Trophy type player for the Bruins.
“Just how he impacts the game in all three zones,” said the coach. “It doesn’t seem like he takes a second off, whether he’s pressuring pucks, he’s ending plays, he’s hitting someone, or he’s taking the puck from the breakout through the neutral zone, kicking it out, and driving the net, or getting a chance at the net.”
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