Bruins' Defenceman McAvoy Returns to Game After High Hit
Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy returned to Wednesday's game against the Florida Panthers after a high hit from Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis in the opening period. McAvoy, who was forced out of the game, returned to the ice in the second period.
The incident occurred with just under 10 minutes remaining in the first period. McAvoy was carrying the puck out of the Bruins' defensive zone when Vilmanis drilled him up high with an elbow to the head. McAvoy crashed hard to the ice and needed assistance to get to the Boston bench and into the dressing room.
Vilmanis was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for an illegal check to the head. This incident comes just days before the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 games, where McAvoy is one of two Bruins on Team USA's roster, alongside goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
Heading into Wednesday's game, the 28-year-old McAvoy had accumulated 38 points in 44 games, with four goals and 34 assists, averaging 24:13 of ice time per game. This marks his ninth season with the Bruins since his debut during the 2017-18 campaign.
