The Boston Bruins are going to have to push forward without their top defenceman.
Head coach Marco Sturm told reporters on Wednesday that Charlie McAvoy had facial surgery and is recovering at home.
The Bruins did not provide a timeline for his return.
McAvoy took a puck to the face on Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens.
The 27-year-old defenceman has been a cornerstone of Boston’s back end this season, logging 14 assists before being sidelined.
It’s the latest injury blow to McAvoy, who suffered a right-shoulder AC joint injury last year at the 4 Nations Face-Off, which, with an associated infection, caused him to miss the remainder of the season.
