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Bruins Coach Shares Charlie McAvoy Development After Canadiens Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 16, 2025 10:45 AM ET

The Boston Bruins were forced to finish Saturday’s 3–2 win over the Montreal Canadiens without top defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who suffered a frightening injury midway through the second period.

With 11 minutes, one second gone in the middle frame, McAvoy was struck in the mouth by a slap shot while defending a Canadiens power play.

Montreal’s Noah Dobson fired a one-timer from the point that appeared to deflect off Bruins forward Mark Kastelic before striking McAvoy under the visor.

The 27-year-old dropped to the ice clutching his face and bleeding as medical staff rushed to his aid before helping him off the ice and down the tunnel. Fans spotted Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov trying to recover McAvoy's teeth after he left the ice.

Charlie McAvoy leaves the the game after taking a puck to the face pic.twitter.com/QlsNdINYoD
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McAvoy was ruled out for the remainder of the game with an upper-body injury, and head coach Marco Sturm offered an update after the game.

“He’s doing OK, he’s just getting some testing done,” Sturm said. “We’re going to try to get him home as soon as possible, hopefully tonight with us. But other than that, hopefully he’s going to be OK.”

McAvoy entered the night leading the Bruins in average ice time (23:46) and blocked three shots in 13:41 of action before his exit on Saturday. McAvoy has appeared in 19 games, scoring 14 points, all of them assists.

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman checks on teammate Charlie McAvoy (73), who was hit by a shot in the face.Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

His absence adds to Boston’s growing injury list , which already includes Elias Lindholm, Casey Mittelstadt, and Viktor Arvidsson among others, the latter also leaving Saturday's game early.

Sturm confirmed Arvidsson is dealing with a lower-body injury and will miss time. “He’s going to be out, lower body,” Sturm said. “I don’t know how long. I suppose we’re going to have to wait and see.”

Despite the injuries, Boston killed all seven Montreal power plays and secured its eighth win in nine games, moving to a 12-8-0 record. The Bruins will next face the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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