(Photo Credit: Minas Panagiotakas / Getty Images)

By: Jake Ferraro | Follow me on Twitter/X @18Jxxx18

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will serve as an alternate captain and play for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman will also be teammates with McAvoy on Team USA’s roster. 2026 marks the first time since 2014 that National Hockey League players will compete in the Olympics.

However, as McAvoy gets ready to represent his country on the big Olympic stage, the Bruins could fear that history from February 2025 can repeat itself, with McAvoy playing for Team USA and a chance of another potential injury.

Last February, McAvoy was playing for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off and also served as an alternate captain. During the tournament, McAvoy suffered a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the championship game against Team Canada. McAvoy got emotional in the locker room before the championship game about wanting to play.

Without McAvoy, Team USA lost 3-2 in overtime to Team Canada in the championship game. The loss added more pain for McAvoy due to him not only being unable to play in the game, but also the loss occurred at TD Garden in Boston. The injury to McAvoy also put him out for the remainder of the Bruins’ season, and it was a big reason the team missed the 2025 playoffs.

This February, McAvoy will be playing for Team USA again, but this time in the Olympics. Now, the Bruins hope McAvoy doesn’t get another injury to put him out of action for months. With how this season has gone for McAvoy, there can be concern for the Bruins of an injury happening for their superstar defenseman.

McAvoy has been a crucial piece to the Bruins’ roster this season. McAvoy’s 39 points are third on the Bruins, and his 35 assists are second on the team. McAvoy has been solid defensively as well. However, McAvoy has missed 12 of the Bruins’ 57 games this season. In November, McAvoy suffered a jaw injury that put him out of action for one month. McAvoy has been playing with extra protection on his helmet since the injury. However, the Bruins’ last game before the Olympic break may have put more fear in McAvoy playing at the Olympics.

McAvoy suffered a hit to the head by Florida Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis. The Bruins lost McAvoy for the game and fell 6-5 in a shootout. Two days after the game, McAvoy made headlines by posting a pic of himself on his X account of what his face looked like after the hit from Vilmanis, which may have stirred up the pot because there is irony ahead for both players.

Vilmanis will be representing Team Latvia at the 2026 Olympics. Team USA’s first opponent for the 2026 Olympics will be Vilmanis and Team Latvia. McAvoy has a chance to get payback against Vilmanis by beating him and his country in Team USA’s first game.

All eyes will be on Team USA and Team Latvia, but the Bruins can’t have McAvoy out for a while with another injury.