BruinsPublished: Dec. 08, 2025, 12:21 p.m.
David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins talks with Charlie McAvoy #73 during a game in Oct. 2025. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Getty Images
David Pastrnak skated before practice. Charlie McAvoy participated wearing full facial protection. According to Marco Sturm, both Bruins’ alternate captains will make the upcoming road trip and are hoping to return on it. Pastrnak is closer to returning than McAvoy.
Boston is set to begin a three-game road trip tomorrow in St. Louis that will take the Bruins to Winnipeg and Minnesota.
Pastrnak has been out since Thanksgiving with an undisclosed injury that has lingered longer than was originally expected.
His return would not require a roster move. But it would necessitate a lineup decision because Alex Steeves has played well in his absence.
McAvoy, who is currently on injured reserve, hasn’t played since being struck in the face with a redirected shot against the Canadiens on Nov. 15. The injury required facial surgery and caused him to lose considerable weight.
His return would require a roster move. Victor Soderstrom would likely return to Providence.
Matt Vautour has covered sports professionally in Massachusetts since 1996 and has been a columnist at MassLive since 2018.
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