Boston Bruins and Team USA defenceman Charlie McAvoy returned to Wednesday’s game against the Florida Panthers after initially being forced out by a high hit from Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis in the opening period.
McAvoy returned to the ice in the second period.
With just under 10 minutes remaining in the first, McAvoy carried the puck out of the Bruins’ defensive zone and was drilled up high by Vilmanis as he passed the puck. Vilmanis’ elbow appeared to make contact with McAvoy’s head and sent the Bruins’ defenceman crashing hard to the ice. He needed help 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.
The play comes just days before the start of Milano Cortina 2026. McAvoy is one of two Bruins on Team USA’s roster, in addition to goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
The 28-year-old McAvoy had four goals and 34 assists for 38 points in 44 games headed into Wednesday’s game while averaging 24:13 of ice time per game.
This is the Long Beach, N.Y. native’s ninth season with the Bruins since making his debut during the 2017-18 campaign.