McAvoy set for season debut against Sharks after suspension
Jeremy Swayman will start in San Jose, while Connor Clifton sits out as McAvoy rejoins Hampus Lindholm on Boston’s first defence pair.
Charlie McAvoy is set to make his season debut for the Boston Bruins against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, Oct. 13, after completing a six-game suspension. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET at SAP Center.
McAvoy practised alongside Hampus Lindholm on Boston’s first defence pair Monday. He told the club’s reporters that he was eager to rejoin his teammates and wanted to contribute offensively while remaining responsible defensively.
Boston confirmed Tuesday that Jeremy Swayman will start in goal. Connor Clifton will sit out, with Will Borgen moving beside Nikita Zadorov on the second defence pair as McAvoy returns.
Coach Marco Sturm said McAvoy had supported the players in the lineup during his absence and brought renewed energy to Monday’s practice. Boston won four of its first six games without him.
McAvoy said the extra training time had left him feeling strong, but acknowledged that practice conditioning could not fully prepare him for game action. He planned to keep his shifts short while adjusting to the pace. Tuesday begins Boston’s four-game road trip.
