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The Boston Bruins could get some terrible injury news regarding their top defenseman after a gruesome incident on Saturday night.
The Boston Bruins took two steps forward and one step back on Saturday night. They beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 at the Bell Centre to keep their winning streak going. But the club also lost two lineup regulars.
In particular, the biggest loss was defenseman Charlie McAvoy. The Bruins’ top defenseman was the unfortunate recipient of a Noah Dobson slapshot that hit him in the face midway through the second period.
Here’s a look at the incident:
Dear lord… Charlie McAvoy takes a clapper right to the mouth.
Genuinely hope he’s alright. That’s scary.
The shot appeared to have caught McAvoy in the mouth. He went down immediately in evident pain. The Bruins’ blueliner needed assistance in getting off the ice.
The club later announced that McAvoy would not be returning to the game.
UPDATE: Charlie McAvoy (upper-body) will not return to tonight’s game.
The gruesome injury looked serious, as the replay showed. But according to NHL medical expert, Dr. Harjas Grewal, things could be more complicated.
Here’s what Grewal had to say:
Hopefully no broken bones for McAvoy. Timelines are variable as players do return earlier with a cage at times from broken facial bones
Obvious dental injury as well and concussion check also important https://t.co/8dFqgMPR2y
— Dr. Harjas Grewal (@Harjas_Grewal) November 16, 2025
So, evidently, dental work will be a major issue here. Depending on the severity of the issue, McAvoy could miss several games. If there’s no other injury beyond that, McAvoy could be back in the lineup sooner than anticipated.
But the biggest concern could be a concussion. McAvoy likely entered concussion protocol. If he’s cleared, things may be looking up for the veteran blueliner. However, a concussion diagnosis could complicate things further for McAvoy and the Bruins.
The team is rolling right now, and losing their number-one defenseman would be a serious blow to their current momentum.
McAvoy Being Tested Before Returning to Boston
Following the game, Bruins coach Marco Sturm spoke to the media. He provided a straightforward update regarding McAvoy. The Boston bench boss was candid about McAvoy undergoing testing in Montreal.
Once Montreal-area doctors offer their diagnosis, McAvoy will return to Boston for further evaluation. That evaluation will also likely get a close look from Team USA’s medical staff. Team USA will announce its 2026 Olympic roster in December and will need to know about McAvoy’s status.
More news regarding Charlie McAvoy’s status should be forthcoming on Monday or Tuesday. In the meantime, the Bruins will most likely be without McAvoy for their Monday night tilt with the Carolina Hurricanes. Then, the club will go on a three-game West Coast trip starting in Anaheim on Wednesday night. It’s highly unlikely McAvoy will make that trip. So, the best-case scenario would be McAvoy rejoining the team on November 28 in Boston as the Bruins take on the New York Rangers.
Bruins also Lose Viktor Arvidsson
Another casualty on Saturday night was forward Viktor Arvidsson. Arvidsson left the game late in the third period. Sturm stated Arvidsson has sustained a lower-body injury. The coach told the media after the game:
“He’s going to be out, lower body. I don’t know how long. I suppose we’re going to have to wait and see.”
Losing Arvidsson for an extended period would also represent a significant loss for the Bruins. Arvidsson scored against Montreal on Saturday night. He’s now got six goals and four assists for 10 points in 20 games. There’s no telling when the 32-year-old may return to the Bruins’ lineup.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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