Boston Bruins Lose Another Defenceman Due to Injury

Bruins and Defenceman Charlie McAvoy Hurting as he Sustained Facial Injury that Required Surgery

For those who saw the play, the fact he will be out comes as little surprise. McAvoy took a slap shot up high, and as it turns out, he required facial surgery. This incident occurred in Saturday’s 3-2 victory against the Atlantic and original six rival Montreal Canadiens.

McAvoy, like the Bruins, is enjoying a strong start to 2025-26. Boston is in second in the Atlantic with 24 points. Meanwhile, McAvoy is being efficient offensively, that despite no goals, he has an impressive 14 assists through 19 games. He’s above his career average in ice time at 23:46 minutes per game. As a reference, his career average is 23:26. His even strength Corsi-for percent relative is decent, too, at 1.6%. When you consider he plays against top competition, it is a solid standing.

What Does this Mean in Beantown

Nikita Zadorov will be someone who will miss McAvoy. In terms of moneypuck‘s expected goal percentage, their pairing leads the team at 56.7%. Luckily for Boston, they do have other complementary d-pairings they’ve utilized. So, they should be able to overcome the injury to some degree by committee. Henri Jokiharju has also played a bunch with Zadorov. However, that pairing is less effective with 43.8 xGoals%. In fact, Jokiharju was the man who suited up in game after the McAvoy injury. Their blueline is already shorthanded, as Jordan Harris is still out following surgery on his ankle. If the team can fill these voids, maybe they can maintain their standing. One thing is for sure, without their top blueliner now in McAvoy, it won’t be easy. Everyone will have to do what they can.