As much as the Four Nations tournament has been a success, concerns about injuries disrupting NHL teams and management were inevitable. With McAvoy on the receiving end of a cheap shot versus Finland, the Bruins must be scrambling right now.
While an injury like this causes waves around the league and tests tolerance for a random national faceoff in the middle of the season, the Bruins have to figure out how to move forward with their defensive unit. Management likely envisioned their defense with McAvoy involved and Hampus Lindholm back in the fold, but now that optimism for getting the season back on track has diminished.
The week following the Four Nations break will be crucial for Boston’s playoff hopes. If the wheels continue to fall off—especially defensively—management will likely use McAvoy’s situation as the catalyst to sell players and plan beyond 2025.
Flavin Media 
Leave a comment