Charlie McAvoy Undergoes Facial Surgery After Puck Injury
Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is recovering after undergoing facial surgery due to a puck injury. The incident occurred during a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens on November 15, 2025, when McAvoy was struck in the jaw by a slap shot from defenseman Noah Dobson.
Details of the Injury and Surgery
Bruins head coach Marco Sturm confirmed the injury and the subsequent surgery during a press conference in Anaheim before their game with the Ducks. He stated, “Charlie had facial surgery, successfully. He’s doing good. He’s recovering right now at home.” However, there is currently no set timeline for his return to play.
- Date of Injury: November 15, 2025
- Opponent: Montreal Canadiens
- Injury Type: Facial injury from a slap shot
- Surgery Status: Successfully completed
- Player Recovery Status: Currently recovering at home
Impact on the Team
McAvoy’s absence represents a significant challenge for the Bruins, who had recently found success, winning nine out of their last twelve games. At the time of his injury, the team’s defensive unit had effectively outscored opponents 5-2 during McAvoy’s partnership with Nikita Zadorov on the ice.
In light of McAvoy’s injury, the Bruins have brought up Michael Callahan from their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, to reinforce the blue line. The team recently fielded a defensive pairing of Henri Jokiharju and Hampus Lindholm during practice.
Upcoming Challenges
The Bruins are set to face the Anaheim Ducks, a team that currently has one of the highest scoring rates in the NHL. Sturm acknowledged the importance of this match, stating, “It’s a good test…every team goes through this.” He emphasized that this situation is an opportunity for players waiting for their chance to demonstrate their resilience and skill.
As the Bruins prepare for these upcoming challenges without McAvoy, they remain focused on maintaining their performance and adapting to the changes in their lineup.
