Charlie McAvoy’s Looming Return Presents Bruins With Difficult Decision on Defense

The Boston Bruins face a looming roster dilemma on defense with Charlie McAvoy set to return from a six-game suspension. McAvoy received the ban following a slash on Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson during last season's playoffs. With McAvoy expected to reclaim his role on the top pairing, Boston will have eight active defensemen and must remove one player from the regular group.

Head coach Marco Sturm indicated the choice will likely involve Mason Lohrei, Jonathan Aspirot, or Frederic Brunet. Established defensemen Hampus Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Will Borgen, and Connor Clifton are expected to retain their roles, leaving the coaching staff to weigh defensive stability, offensive production, and handedness when deciding who to scratch or reassign.