Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy Opens Up On 4 Nations Injury

Boston Bruins star defenseman Charlie McAvoy has opened up on the injury he sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off back in February.

While McAvoy was representing Team USA, he suffered an injury to his right shoulder’s AC joint. He then developed a dangerous staph infection that forced him into surgery, which ended his season.

“I just can’t thank (the doctors) enough,” McAvoy said to Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

McAvoy revealed the staph infection began working its way from his shoulder to his heart, which led to him needing emergency surgery.

Luckily, the doctors were able to act quickly and helped McAvoy get back to full health.

“It was just a tough time. I had a newborn at home,” McAvoy said. “It was just a lot to deal with. Our support system was so great.”

Now that he’s healthy, McAvoy turns his attention to the regular season. The defenseman admits last season was frustrating, seeing the team struggle down the stretch and finish near the bottom of the standings.

But, despite the Bruins selling at the deadline, McAvoy is confident Boston is a playoff team this season.

“We’ve got everything to prove. This the first time in my career that we’re going into this year probably not being a playoff team by a lot of people’s metrics. We’re a playoff team every day of the week, in my mind,” McAvoy said. “We have everything we need. We have more than enough on this roster to be that. So that’s the goal.”

McAvoy is entering the fourth year of his eight-year, $76 million deal with the Bruins. He skated in 50 games, recording seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points last season.