Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital Monday night and missed Team USA’s loss to Sweden in the Four Nations Tournament. McAvoy was scratched from the lineup in Monday’s game with what Team USA coach Mike Sullivan said was an “upper-body injury.”
Today, Frank Seravalli reports McAvoy was admitted for an infection from a minor injury. McAvoy’s availability for Thursday night’s USA vs. CAN 4 Nations Final is unknown.
The Bruins defenseman was knocked down and shoved into the goalpost during last Thursday’s game in the third period. He slammed into the goal and immediately grabbed his left shoulder. McAvoy continued to play in the game against Finland and was back on the ice Saturday night in the match-up against Canada. McAvoy had surgery on his left shoulder in 2022.
The 27-year-old defenseman missed seven games with the Bruins from January 12-29 with an undisclosed injury. This season, the former Boston University star has registered seven goals and 16 assists in 50 games. McAvoy is a five-time All-Star and has been in the top ten in Norris Trophy voting three times in his career.
Team USA plays Canada in the Four Nations Tournament final on Thursday. Boston has 25 games remaining in the regular season and are just outside of the playoff picture as NHL play resumes on February 22 with a home game against Anaheim.
UPDATE:
The Boston Bruins have released a statement that McAvoy will not return to the tournament on Thursday, and they’d provide future updates on his status as they become available.