The latest NHL Network defensemen rankings saw Charlie McAvoy slip out of the top 10. But he didn’t fall too far.
McAvoy came in at No. 11 — four spots lower than last year — on the Top 20 Defenseman Right Now list. The Bruins defenseman was limited to just 50 games in the 2024-25 season due to an AC joint injury and infection suffered during the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off.
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In those 50 games, McAvoy potted seven goals and 16 assists. He also amassed 89 hits and 81 blocked shots.
Edmonton Oilers’ Evan Bouchard, Nashville Predators’ Roman Josi, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Victor Hedman, Vancouver Canucks’ Quinn Hughes and Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar were among those ranked above McAvoy.
McAvoy is expected to be ready to start the 2025-26 season. The 27-year-old has been an integral part to Boston’s blue line, and one former NHL player stressed the importance of McAvoy.
“The Bruins go as he goes,” Thomas Hickey said recently on NHL Network. “He’s got some snarl, he’s got some edge. He’s a big guy, he’s strong. But what stands out the most to me when I watch him play is the confidence. He exudes it all over the ice.”
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With Marco Sturm — who’s a defensive-minded coach —at now at the helm, coupled with McAvoy’s motivation to bounce back this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the veteran’s game take a jump in 2025-26.
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