The Boston Bruins rookie trio: The kids are alright (so far)
Charlie McAvoy
Going into the season, many had Charlie McAvoy pegged as one of the favorites for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year this season. The first year blueliner was dropped in the deep end last season in the playoffs and performed beyond expectations. He is playing like he wants people to win lots of dough if they took him at 7-1 odds.
Through 7 games this season, McAvoy has posted 1 goal, 6 assists, -2 rating, with 9 shots on goal. Those numbers in a vacuum may not seem worthy of the praise I am about to bestow upon him. But without a doubt, the rookie has been the Bruins best defenseman by far in terms of overall play.
He is being active in the play in the offensive zone, while not compromising his responsibilities on the back end. There have been a couple plays where he was out worked or has taken some bad angles. But that is to be expected for a defenseman who is only 13 total games into his NHL career.
In addition to sitting third on the team in points, he’s also logging minutes like he’s an NHL veteran. He current sports an ATOI of 21:03, second on the team, behind only the Captain. If Charlie McAvoy continues to put points up even at HALF the rate he is right now, he should be a lock for the Calder Trophy. After watching his play in these first 7 games, I think a 50 point season is within the realm of possibility for him.