The Boston Bruins will be without star rookie defenseman Charlie McAvoy for at least four weeks, the team announced Tuesday morning.
The 20-year-old sustained a lower-body injury during the first period of the team’s 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens that has now been diagnosed as a sprained MCL. McAvoy has been one of the team’s top two defensemen this season, recording 32 points with a +26 rating alongside Zdeno Chara.
The severity of the injury means McAvoy will likely be sidelined for the remainder the regular season. Expect Brandon Carlo to be called up to the top defensive pair to play alongside Chara in the meantime.
The acquisition of Nick Holden gives the Bruins a little bit of flexibility when it comes to rearranging the other pairs. Holden will likely skate alongside Torey Krug, with Matt Grzelcyk spearheading the third pair with the revolving door of Kevan Miller and Adam McQuaid.
Head coach Bruce Cassidy will likely experiment with pairs to see what works throughout the rest of the regular season.
The Bruins hope McAvoy will be ready to go for the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
