This season has been a painful reminder of the volatility in the NHL for the Boston Bruins. A team that for decades epitomized consistency and excellence in the league has found itself struggling to avoid the basement of the Eastern Conference standings. One of the primary causes of this unexpected decline has been a series of key injuries, and the most recent update on star defenseman Charlie McAvoy confirms that he will not return to the lineup until the 2025–26 season.
McAvoy has not played since his participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, where he patrolled the blue line for Team USA. It was during that international competition that he sustained a shoulder injury (AC joint), further complicated by an infection that slowed his recovery. McAvoy left his mark on the tournament with a memorable collision against Canadian superstar Connor McDavid, and his absence — particularly his physical presence and defensive reliability — has been keenly felt by the Bruins.
Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco told reporters that McAvoy will not be available for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, nor for the final two regular-season games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils.
“Just not ready to play, that’s the bottom line right now,” Sacco said, per NHL.com. “The medical staff feels he’s not ready to play the last two games after tonight.” While disappointing, the news was largely expected given the amount of time that has passed since McAvoy last saw action on the ice.
Boston Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco talks to his players behind the bench during the first period against the Utah Hockey Club at TD Garden on November 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Looking to the future with McAvoy
Although McAvoy has resumed skating with the team during recent practice sessions, he has not yet reached the stage where the coaching staff is comfortable reinserting him into game competition.
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In a different scenario — had the Bruins been contending for a playoff berth — the timeline might have been accelerated. However, the team’s recent ten-game losing streak and mathematical elimination from postseason contention have shifted the focus toward long-term health and stability.
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McAvoy and the Bruins: What’s next?
In the current season, McAvoy recorded 7 goals and 16 assists for 23 points in 50 games. While his physical style remains a defining feature of his game, the Bruins hope to see greater offensive production from their cornerstone defenseman once he is fully healthy. The organization is prioritizing his complete recovery with the expectation that McAvoy will return in peak form next NHL season, ready to anchor the blue line and help lead the Bruins back to contention after a turbulent campaign.
