BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: Charles McAvoy, selected 14th overall by the Boston Bruins, poses for a portrait during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

By Mark Allred      Follow Me On Twitter @BlackAndGold277

Although the Boston Bruins Charlie McAvoy madness started during the 2016 National Hockey League Entry Draft when the talented defenseman was selected in the first round, he officially becomes a member of the Bruins organization tonight with his professional debut in the American Hockey League. The 40-19-5-4 Providence Bruins who are the top minor-pro affiliate of the NHL B’s are set to matchup tonight with a 7:05 puck drop at the MassMutual Center against the 28-30-9-2 Springfield Thunderbirds.

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McAvoy who decided to leave Boston University after his sophomore year to turn pro on Wednesday, March 29th is excited about the opportunity to play at the next level but also knows he has a lot of work to do with his time in Providence. The 6′-1″ 212-pound native of Long Beach, New York leaves behind an outstanding collegiate hockey career where he appeared in 75 games posting 8-43-51 numbers. His career best was this season where he notched 26 points in 38 games.

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With four NHL regular season games, it’s hard for anyone to guess if he’ll make his NHL debut this season as he’ll forfeit one-year off his future entry-level contract if, in fact, he does. As a die hard Bruins fan myself, I’d like to see him make the most of his time in Providence for the remaining eight games and playoffs that the Baby B’s are sure to make. In my honest opinion, I’d think it would be a big mistake bringing him up and replace a player currently under contract and would believe it could stir some player frustration if the Bruins were to make the playoffs and displeasure of being removed from the postseason for a player without any NHL experience. I’m by far no expert nor in the room for decision making efforts but the right idea is to insert him into the NHL lineup next season with roster spots being available with departing players over the offseason.

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Regardless of what the Boston Bruins are going to do with the young blueliner, I’m excited to see his progress no matter what league he plays in but also how he adjusts to other developing players that are a year or two away in the defensive depth such as Jeremy Lauzon and Jakub Zboril who will also be joining the Providence team next year as they both are eligible for the AHL as 20-year-olds.

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David Backes Boston Bruins Fanatics Branded Backer Name & Number T-Shirt – Black – $27.99

You love to watch David Backes from the Boston Bruins play all the time, no matter if it’s home or away. Now you can share your enthusiasm in a new way when you put on this David Backes Boston Bruins Backer Name and Number T-shirt from Fanatics Branded. It features a cool Boston Bruins graphics design on the front and back, which makes this tee perfect to show that your fandom will never falter.