With Charlie McAvoy back, who will slot out on Bruins defense?

"I think we've done a really good job without him, but we also know we're better with him."

By Conor Ryan · Boston Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 12:34 AM

Key Things to Know

Connor Clifton appears set to sit out as Charlie McAvoy returns from a six-game suspension.
The Bruins went 4-2-0 to start the season during McAvoy's six-game absence.
Monday's practice paired McAvoy with Hampus Lindholm and shifted Nikita Zadorov alongside Will Borgen.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is set to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks after completing a six-game suspension to start the season. With McAvoy returning, head coach Marco Sturm reshuffled the defensive pairings in Monday's practice, indicating that veteran Connor Clifton is expected to be the odd man out in the defensive unit.

At practice, McAvoy skated alongside Hampus Lindholm, while Nikita Zadorov was paired with Will Borgen. Frederic Brunet and Mason Lohrei formed the third defensive pair, leaving Clifton and Jonathan Aspirot as the extra defensemen.

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With Charlie McAvoy back, who will slot out on Bruins defense?

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