Bruins Star Charlie McAvoy Opens Up On Return To Game Action

The Boston Bruins had their first preseason game of the season on Sunday, and Charlie McAvoy got a chance to return to the ice.

McAvoy suffered a serious injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, which ended his season. The star defenseman had to undergo surgery after developing a staph infection on his injured shoulder.

After seeing his season end and the rehab that ensued, McAvoy was able to return to game action on Sunday, which he was grateful for.

“Be thankful and grateful to be back out there,” McAvoy said. “It was good to play hockey again. When the preseason gets going, some good and some bad – but it was just good to be back out there again and good to feel good. Body feels really good, and just time to get the timing back and legs back under you.”

McAvoy finished the game with 21:01 of ice time, but was a minus-1. However, he said the preseason game was for him to find his stride, but he knows he will be able to build off it.

“The preseason is all about patience, really, which sometimes I lack,” McAvoy said. “I want it to be perfect, I want to feel amazing, I want to be making the highlight plays. But it’s not easy in the preseason. Trying to take away some positives. It’s always a good chance to watch it and see where you’re at, what you’re missing, what you’re seeing good. I’m sure the video will be a great learning opportunity for not just me but all of us.”

McAvoy will be the Bruins’ top defenseman this season and was paired up with Mason Lohrei, who was ecstatic to play with the 27-year-old.

“Obviously, he’s one of the best defensemen in the world,” Lohrei said. “He has such an impact on the game. The guy is incredible, and I love playing with him.”

McAvoy is entering the fourth year of his eight-year, $76 million deal with the Bruins.