Bruins' McAvoy Returns After Facial Injury in 6-3 Win

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy returned to the lineup on Thursday night, less than a month after sustaining a severe facial injury during a game against the Montreal Canadiens. The 27-year-old alternate captain, who had missed 11 contests, logged 24 minutes and 16 seconds of ice time and recorded an assist in Boston's 6-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre.

McAvoy's injury occurred on November 15 at Bell Centre, when a slapshot from Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson struck him on the left side of the face. The impact caused a linear fracture in his jaw with displacement, along with the loss of several teeth. He underwent facial surgery shortly after, during which a plate was inserted to repair the damage. Activated from injured reserve earlier in the day, McAvoy was initially listed as a game-time decision following the team's morning skate. He ultimately received clearance to play, pairing with Nikita Zadorov on Boston's top defensive unit.

The road back proved challenging for McAvoy, who adhered to a six-week liquid diet that led to a 20-pound weight loss in just over two weeks. He has since regained more than half that weight through rehabilitation...