By: Tom Calautti | Follow me on Twitter/X @TCalauttis
Charlie McAvoy has had an eventful couple of years: experiencing his first child’s birth, making the US Four Nations roster, suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, losing half his teeth, and winning a Gold medal. Next on his highlight list: a career-high in points.
Previously, the Long Island native’s career-high came in the 2021-22 season when McAvoy posted 10-46-56 in 78 games for the Black and Gold. This season, despite all the adversity, he’s been even better.
Before Sunday’s matchup with Columbus, McAvoy was one point from setting a new career-high. He responded by scoring the opening goal and assisting on the second, leading the Bruins to a comeback win over a surging team.
McAvoy has been crucial to Boston’s turnaround this season, and his head coach couldn’t be happier to see him performing this way.
“He’s been the motor, he’s been unbelievable all year long for me and for us,” said head coach Marco Sturm of his star defenseman following the team’s victory over the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night. “I think he understands the way he has to play now to not just be the best player out there, but also to play good defense.”
Following the win against the Stars, the Olympic gold medalist now has 11 goals, 47 assists, and 58 points in 62 games this season. That 58-point total is good enough for 10th in the league among defensemen. His 23 power play points are seventh among league defensemen, while his .92 points per game ranks him ninth among defensemen who have played at least 40 games.
When you factor in the efficiency of McAvoy’s production, his season becomes even more impressive. According to Moneypuck.com, Boston’s alternate captain has 2.26 points per 60 minutes of ice time, which ranks 11th among NHL defensemen. Additionally, his 1.83 assists per 60 minutes place him 9th among all NHL defensemen.
Another highlight: McAvoy’s consistency. He has two point streaks of eight or more games and just one pointless streak longer than two. He’s made his mark in almost every game this season.
A key part of McAvoy’s season has been what he’s accomplished during the team’s playoff push. Since returning (with a gold medal) from the Olympic break, Boston’s number one blue-liner is fourth in the NHL among defenseman scoring, with 7-12-19 in 17 games. Only Erik Karlsson, Evan Bouchard, and Rasmus Dahlin have more points.
“Now the goals (have come),” said Sturm. “Like I’ve always said, the goals will come, the points will come when you play the right way. He’s not the wild guy anymore. He’s definitely way more calm, and that’s how he has to play.”
He continued, “What a year for him, I’m very happy for him.”
What a year indeed for the man who, at this time last year, was watching games from the press box because of a freak injury. It’s amazing what a difference one season can make, and it’s tough to imagine where the Bruins would be without their best defenseman.
It’s been an impressive year for the Boston Bruins as a whole, and none of that success would be possible without the play of their top dog on defense. No matter how you look at things, Charlie McAvoy has re-established himself as one of the best defensemen in the NHL.
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