Bruins' McAvoy Out Indefinitely After Facial Surgery

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy underwent facial surgery this week following an injury sustained during a game last Saturday, leaving him sidelined indefinitely as the team embarks on a challenging road trip.

The 27-year-old was struck in the face by a slap shot from Montreal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson in the second period of Boston's 3-2 victory in Montreal on November 15. McAvoy immediately fell to the ice, leaving blood on the surface, and required assistance to reach the locker room. He traveled back to Boston with his teammates after the game and had the procedure on Wednesday. Bruins coach Marco Sturm confirmed the surgery went well and that McAvoy is recovering at home. "He's doing good," Sturm said before Boston's game against the Anaheim Ducks. "He's recovering right now at home. We still don't know how long he's going to be out for."

While no firm return timeline has been set, as it depends on McAvoy's healing process, there is optimism regarding his long-term participation. ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan indicated that expectations are for McAvoy to be ready for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, which begin February 6. McAvoy, selected as...