Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy returned to the ice Tuesday in a non-contact jersey, skating with his teammates for the first time since mid-February.
Just six weeks ago, the defenseman was hospitalized and spent four days there with a rapidly spreading shoulder infection that left his season in doubt.
McAvoy spoke for the first time since his return to the ice, albeit on a red jersey, describing his health issue as "scary" for him and his relatives.
“The infection was moving pretty fast after that,” McAvoy told The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa. “It got very serious, very quick. Another thing I’m trying to leave in the past, really. It was scary.
”It was scary on me. Scary on my family, mostly.”
The ordeal began shortly before Team USA’s win over Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game.
McAvoy had played through shoulder pain that escalated after a hit on Connor McDavid.
The next night, he was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital. A debridement procedure followed, and he hasn’t played since.
McAvoy’s timeline to return remains unclear. He won’t play Wednesday or Saturday, but being back with the team is enough for the blueliner, for now, at least.
“I’m just happy to be here,” McAvoy said. “This sort of feels like a bit of an opening to put a close to that and get back out here.”
The Bruins are winless in six straight and sit six points out of a playoff spot.
Boston is carrying a 30-33-9 record and 69 points through 72 games entering Wednesday's matchup against the Anaheim Ducks.
