Following Zdeno Chara’s departure in free agency, the expectations were high for Charlie McAvoy entering the 2021 season. With the Boston Bruins’ longtime captain gone, the Boston University product became Boston’s number one defenseman.
Through the first six weeks, McAvoy has risen to the challenge and been one of Boston’s best players. After having a career year in 2019-20, the former first-round pick has again been a threat offensively. The 2020 season is far from over, but Boston’s top defenseman is on pace for a special year.
Through 15 games McAvoy has one goal and eleven assists. The former first-round pick has also been effective on the power play where he has three points. Although he is shooting the puck less he is on pace to pass his numbers from last year.
During the 2019-2020 campaign, McAvoy had a career-high 27 assists. The Long Beach, N.Y. native also had five goals, including one game-winning goal. He finished with the second-most points among Bruins defensemen despite shooting the puck a career-low five percent. The Bruins defenseman has carried that success into 2021 even though the Bruins offense has been inconsistent at times.
So far this season, the B’s have relied on their trio of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak for goals. McAvoy has been the exception as he is the only Bruins defenseman with more than three points. In Boston’s last 11 games, he has at least a point in nine of them. McAvoy also had an eight-game point streak during that span, which was a career-high.
Additionally, if the Bruins were playing an 82-game season, McAvoy would be on pace for over 70 points. His career-high is 32 in which he had in 67 games last season. Even though his offensive contributions are getting a lot of attention, he is affecting the game at both ends of the ice. The fourth-year defenseman is showing why the Bruins selected him with the 14th overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft.
As the season continues, McAvoy’s play will be key to the B’s success. The 23-year-old has excelled in his new role and been productive on the power play. As the Bruins have battled injuries, McAvoy has stepped up and helped the Bruins find ways to win.
Through the first two months of the season, McAvoy ranks third on the Bruins in points. If he can continue his recent play, he will stay in the top five as he sets new career highs.