Over the last two years the Bruins have seen the highly anticipated debuts of multiple prospects. Talented forwards such as Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Ryan Doanto made their mark last season. The season before saw the debut one of the most hyped prospects with the Bruins facing injuries in the playoffs. That player is Charlie McAvoy, and he is expected to lead the Bruins’ next core. McAvoy has appeared in 81 NHL games, including the playoffs over the last two seasons. He has already shown that he is one of the best young players in the NHL and the most important player on the Bruins roster.
College Days
The Bruins drafted McAvoy 14th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft out of Boston University. In two seasons as a Terrier he had eight goals and 43 assists. During the 2016 season he became the first BU defenseman to lead the team in points and assists since Matt Gilroy did in 2009. McAvoy was not just impressive on the college level. While playing for team USA, he led all-USA defenseman in points, goals, and assists during the 2014-2015 season. His smooth skating and play making ability were on display which is what makes him unique. Going into the draft he was one of only two U.S. hockey players to receive an A rating.
AP Photo/Michael Dwyer
McAvoy Makes His Debut
Charlie McAvoy was the most hyped Bruins prospect in recent memory. He made his NHL debut during the 2016-2017 playoffs as both Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo were injured. In six games he had three assists, including two on the powerplay. The Bruins showed their faith in him by placing McAvoy on the first powerplay unit. He did not seem overwhelmed by the playoff stage and the expectations surrounding his debut. McAvoy did not look like a rookie but a seasoned player. This created even more excitement for the 2017-2018 season as he was one of the main reasons the Bruins made it such as close series.
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His First Full Season
In McAvoy’s first full season he had seven goals and 25 assists. On the powerplay McAvoy had two goals and five assists. In 12 playoff games he had five points including his first career playoff goal. McAvoy was paired with Chara on Bruins top defensive unit and they became one of the most formidable pairings in the NHL. McAvoy is the best player on the Bruins roster because of how he affects the ice on both ends. He shows a poise that is rare for someone of his age. He has drawn high praise for his offensive capabilities but showed improvement defensively under Chara’s guidance. No other Bruins defenseman has his ceiling or affects the game in both ends. He will only be better next year and assuming McAvoy stays healthy he should set career highs in goals and assists. With Chara set to retire soon, McAvoy will assume his spot as the Bruins top defenseman and he will be critical to the Bruins success for years to come.
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