Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy was a game-time decision before returning Thursday night to face the Jets at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. A few hours after the morning skate, Boston activated McAvoy off injured reserve, marking his return after missing 11 games while recovering from facial fracture surgery caused by a slap shot in Montreal on November 15.
During his absence, the Bruins went 6-5. McAvoy, who originally dropped nearly 20 pounds from the injury, has progressively regained weight and energy and typically weighs around 210 pounds when healthy. He noted that the decision to play would be a group one with the medical staff, but he has felt improvements in strength and conditioning over the past several days and believes playing in games is the most effective way to rebuild conditioning.
Returning on Thursday, McAvoy contributed 14 points—all assists—in 19 games this season and entered the lineup without fears about contact or wearing a full shield. He explained that he’s worn a protective bubble before and feels sufficiently protected by jaw plates, with any initial shock fading into routine hockey.
If you’d like, I can also provide a quick summary of McAvoy’s impact on the Bruins’ defense during his absence or explain how facial fracture recoveries are managed in professional hockey.
