Team USA has received some devastating news ahead of the Four Nations Faceoff Final on Thursday. Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy is injured and out for the big championship game against Team Canada. News of McAvoy’s injury was announced by the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.
Charlie McAvoy Out for Four Nations Faceoff Final
According to a statement from the Bruins, McAvoy was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Monday to get tested regarding an upper-body injury. The 27-year-old blueliner suffered an injury during the tournament. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman added that it’s believed to be an infection in connection to the injury.
McAvoy has only played for the Bruins over his eight-year NHL career. This season, he has seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points in 50 games so far. He has a Corsi for of 53.6 and a relative Corsi of 6.6.
The Long Beach, NY native has 60 goals and 240 assists for 300 points in 504 career games. Boston originally drafted McAvoy in the first round, 14th overall of the 2016 NHL Draft.
McAvoy has represented his country prior to the Four Nations tournament. He won a bronze and a gold medal in 2016 and 2017, respectively, at the IIHF World Juniors. McAvoy also won a bronze at the senior level at the 2018 IIHF World Championships.
What It Means
Losing McAvoy is a huge loss for the Americans, who are being bitten by the injury bug. He played a very important part in the Americans’ 3-1 win over rival Canada. McAvoy had a pair of big hits against Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
Team USA may have some reinforcements coming in with Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes. However, he won’t be eligible to play unless another United States defender is ruled out.
This game is one of the most anticipated games in a long time. However, the Americans will sorely miss a key cog of their defensive unit.
