Latest news with #CharlieMcAvoy
New York Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Marco Sturm's to-do list as new Bruins coach: Zone defense? Assistants? Captain?
Four months remain until Marco Sturm pursues his first two points as Boston Bruins head coach. In Boston, his former home as a player and new one as a coach, the climate is starting to turn toward summer. But however distant the 2025-26 season opener seems to be, Sturm will have his calendar full between now and then. Advertisement His priorities: Sturm would be wise to keep Bob Essensa around. The goaltending coach has been in the position since 2003. His track record is filled with grand slams. Tim Thomas, Tuukka Rask and Linus Ullmark won Vezina Trophies while receiving Essensa's counsel. Jeremy Swayman scored an eight-year, $66 million contract because of his growth under Essensa. The personable Essensa is one of the organization's prized assets. Former interim coach Joe Sacco is leaving the organization for the New York Rangers, per league sources. He had been on staff since 2014, filling multiple roles, from overseeing the defense to the forwards to the penalty kill. He was been loyal at every turn. Assistant coach Jay Leach, a finalist for the position, could remain on the staff. The Bruins believe in the 45-year-old. The future of assistant coach Chris Kelly remains to be seen. Kelly was in charge of the power play in 2024-25. Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak are the alternate captains. Perhaps Hampus Lindholm will be in the mix, too, as part of the leadership group. They will be among the first wave of players to hear Sturm's pitch. It will be the leaders' job to absorb it, accept it and set the standard for their teammates to follow. Perhaps Sturm believes one of these players should replace Brad Marchand as captain. If so, that input will be considered by management as they make a decision. The Bruins have played zone defense for Sturm's four predecessors: Sacco, Jim Montgomery, Bruce Cassidy and Claude Julien. It has served them well. All the coaches believed zone incorporated the most fail-safes in case of breakdowns. The emphasis was the same: protect the front of the net. With McAvoy, Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Andrew Peeke and Mason Lohrei on track to return, sticking with zone would allow the defensemen to maintain familiarity with the system. Zadorov, in particular, is most effective when holding his ground near the net and applying his reach and physicality. He is less of a defensive threat if he chases an opponent high in the defensive zone. Advertisement However, the Bruins allowed 3.30 goals per game last year while playing zone. Sturm may believe it is time to switch to man-to-man defense. Swayman took an important first step at the World Championship toward returning to his level. Multiple factors led to Swayman's run: being motivated to play for Team USA, making his bid to be on the 2026 Olympic team, playing with new teammates, getting away from Boston. But a critical component was Swayman's competition with Joey Daccord for the U.S. net. It was the same kind of partnership Swayman had with Ullmark for three seasons. Giving Korpisalo more of an opportunity to contend for the net should not hold Swayman back. It's understandable why Montgomery and Sacco gave Swayman starts that Korpisalo, in retrospect, probably deserved. They were desperate for results. They believed Swayman, if he got hot, gave them the best chance for wins. But nudging the workload closer to a 50-50 split, with Swayman still in the lead, could improve the position. It's Sturm's job to sell this to his goalies. General manager Don Sweeney can bring in all the offseason help he wants. But all of that means nothing if Swayman and Korpisalo don't stop more pucks. Sturm, like every coach, would welcome Mitch Marner onto his bench. How would he use the right wing? Would Marner be worth the investment of making him, perhaps, the NHL's highest-paid player? Or would Sturm prefer multiple players for better depth instead of a top-shelf barnburner? Morgan Geekie had a breakthrough season. It might not have been an outlier. If he continues playing with Pastrnak, Geekie could hit the 30-goal threshold again. Meanwhile, Geekie will reach restricted status on July 1. He is due for a big-time raise. Player and team will have different concepts when it comes to his compensation. But they should be in agreement about how critical the 26-year-old will be in the rebuild. It is always helpful for an employee to feel valued, especially when it comes time to talk contract. Advertisement Sacco seemingly hit upon a solution on the first unit: shifting Pastrnak away from his traditional left-elbow office to his strong side. This allowed Pastrnak to pull goalies his way and thread seam passes for Geekie to one-time from his old spot. Does this maximize both forwards' strengths? Or is taking away Pastrnak's one-timer leaving goals on the table? Sacco also liked Elias Lindholm in the bumper and Lohrei up top. Lindholm looks to be the best option in his position. But is McAvoy a better fit to run PP1 from the point? And which left-shot forward is the best option to be the right-side goal-line release for Pastrnak? Casey Mittelstadt or Pavel Zacha? The Bruins liked how Matt Poitras and Fraser Minten finished the AHL playoffs. The experience should optimize both centers to make strong pushes for varsity employment in training camp. Sturm's priority is to remind Poitras and Minten that they'll be given opportunities, but that neither will be rushed. Both players are too important for the organization's long-term objectives. (Photo of Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Charlie McAvoy honors Bruins tradition by giving back to Boston in big ways
Charlie McAvoy honors Bruins tradition by giving back to Boston in big ways (Image Source: Getty Images) Charlie McAvoy is certainly a strong man on defense for the Bruins and when it comes to off-the-ice activities, an important leader. Charlie McAvoy is the Bruins' nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy , an NHL award recognizing leadership and community service, which he embraced in the Boston Bruins 's long heritage of philanthropy. Not far from giving at Christmas to major charity initiatives, he follows in the footsteps of legends, creating a difference in Boston. Charlie McAvoy rises to carry on Boston Bruins' charitable means Charlie McAvoy grew up with a blue-collar family in Long Beach, New York. When he came to Boston University and later became a member of the Bruins, he brought those values with him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo And when Boston Bruins legend Zdeno Chara departed the team, Charlie McAvoy took up his tradition of delivering pies to shelters every Thanksgiving. Now, it's a family tradition he gets to do every year. That's just one example of how McAvoy connects with the community. He's not doing it for attention. He does it because it matters to him. Being a Bruin, in his mind, is something more than just playing hockey. It's being in the city and giving back where you can. Charlie McAvoy's initiatives get job done from hospital visits to hero assistance Charlie McAvoy is partnering with Service Credit Union to launch "73 Reasons to Defend Those Who Serve." For each Bruins blocked shot or shutout, funds are donated to help local police and firefighters receive health screenings. What McAvoy and his teammates accomplish on the ice saves lives off of it. He also participates in Bruins theme nights like Military Appreciation Night. McAvoy donates game tickets to veterans and personally thanks them after games. He's involved with initiatives that benefit children from Make-A-Wish , patients from hospitals, and athletes from Special Olympics Massachusetts , sometimes with help from Bruins Foundation leader Johnny Dunleavy, who McAvoy describes as the "coolest guy ever." Even Charlie McAvoy's pet, Otto, is helping out. Otto has a treat from a Boston-area dog bakery, whose proceeds from every sale go toward helping animals in need. Charlie McAvoy is proud to wear the Bruins jersey, but he knows it doesn't come cheap. He'd like to continue the tradition of the team by doing his part for society. Whether it's helping families, first responders, or children in need, McAvoy is showing that real leadership goes far beyond the ice. Also Read: Boston Bruins Coaching Search Heats Up With Big Names And Familiar Faces In Mix Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
CBS News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
The NHL Draft Lottery is tonight. Here are the Boston Bruins' odds.
Charlie McAvoy ready to move on and lead Boston Bruins after "year to forget" Charlie McAvoy ready to move on and lead Boston Bruins after "year to forget" Charlie McAvoy ready to move on and lead Boston Bruins after "year to forget" The 2025 NHL Draft Lottery is set for Monday night, and the Bruins will need luck on their side if they want to move up into the top five. It was a disappointing season for the Bruins, who were 33-39-10 and missed the playoffs for the first time in eight years. The silver lining is that the Bruins have a chance to land somewhere in the top five when the NHL Draft Lottery is held Monday. Boston Bruins lottery odds What we already know is the Bruins cannot land the fourth overall pick, and have only a miniscule chance at drafting third. But other than that, there is a chance the Bruins can land one of the top seven picks. Here is a look at their odds in the lottery, according to Tankathon: 1st overall: 8.5 percent 2nd overall: 8.6 percent 3rd overall: 0.3 percent 4th overall: 0 percent 5th overall: 24.5 percent 6th overall: 44.0 percent 7th overall: 14.2 percent When is the NHL Draft Lottery? This will be the first time in the 30-year history of the NHL Draft Lottery that the drawing will be shown live from the NHL Network offices in Secaucus, New Jersey. Depending where fans are watching, they can watch it live on ESPN, Sportsnet, or TVA Sports. When the broadcast starts, the first pick revealed will be the No. 1 pick. After that, the picks will be revealed in numerical order through No. 16. When is the NHL Draft? Los Angeles will host the 2025 NHL Draft. It will take place on June 27 and 28 at the Peacock Theater. If the Florida Panthers win their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brad Marchand plays at least 50% of the games, the Bruins will gain another first round pick in the draft as a result in the deal that sent Marchand to Florida at the trade deadline. Who is the top NHL prospect? Matthew Schaefer, a 6-foot-2, 183-pound lefty shot defenseman who plays for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Also among the top prospects in the upcoming draft is Boston College center James Hagens.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nikita Zadorov Sends Clear Warning to Boston Bruins Front Office
With all of the talent on the Boston Bruins' roster, few would have expected them to turn in a 33-39-10 season in 2024, missing out on the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2015. But that's exactly the situation the Bruins find themselves in one season after winning 47 games and making it to the second round of the playoffs. Advertisement And while some of the team's lack of success was because of poor play (and the struggles of goaltender Jeremy Swayman), a lot of it can be chalked up to having to overcome devastating injuries to star defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy, who missed a combined 97 games due to a fractured patella and AC joint injuries (plus a staph infection), respectively. But as the Bruins cleaned out their lockers following a 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils in their regular-season finale, there seemed to be an overwhelming sense that the players won't let this kind of failure happen again. So when star defenseman Nikita Zadorov spoke to reporters, he intimated that with the core that's already in place, Boston's front office needs to add the right pieces in the offseason because the Bruins are in their win-now window. 'I mean, what — are they going to be wasting (David Pastrnak) Pasta's years?' Zadorov scoffed. 'I mean, I don't have many years left. Both Lindys [Hampus and Elias Lindholm] C-Mac [Charlie McAvoy]. So obviously, it's a win or nothing in here.' Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov (91) looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first period at Wells Fargo Ross-Imagn Images Attracting premium free agents has never been an issue for the Bruins. Advertisement Typically among the NHL's leaders in wins and points, Boston is known for fielding gritty, tenacious, competitive teams that can score goals just as easily as it can send opposing skaters into the boards. And though general manager Don Sweeney likely doesn't need any help selling his organization to potential free agents, Zadorov helped him out with a pretty convincing sales pitch. 'Why would they not want to come here?' Zadorov asked. 'I mean, it's an Original Six team. It's a great city to play in. We have one of the best players in the world (Pastrnak). We have one of the best goalies in the world. We have two really good defensemen who were out pretty much for a whole year. We have all the pieces for the future. '… And that was a clear message today. So I think…it's going to be an exciting summer, and it's going to be exciting for us to see our new teammates, whoever is going to come and join us.' Related: Avalanche HC Makes Major Gabriel Landeskog Announcement Ahead of Playoffs
CBS News
17-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Charlie McAvoy eager to put "year to forget" behind him and step up as leader for Bruins
Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy did not mince words about the 2024-25 season after cleaning out his locker at Warrior Ice Arena on Thursday. The Bruins missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 after a disappointing 33-39-10 campaign, and the eight-year veteran never wants to feel this way again. "Not a great year, really, by any stretch," McAvoy told reporters Thursday. "There were certainly some pockets of some good memories, I guess. But overall, really a year to forget with an unfortunate ending on my side." McAvoy struggled on the ice early in the year, and then had his season end early when he was diagnosed with a staph infection during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He's ready to put 2024-25 in his rearview mirror and focus on the road ahead. "Honestly, it's all just motivation to not feel like this again. I've never been here and I don't want to be here again," he said of missing the playoffs. "Obviously the struggles I had this year, they're well known. It's unfortunate, but I'm excited to put a close on this chapter and be done with it. Honestly, just to get it behind me and move on from here." McAvoy called playing in the 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA a dream come true, though it ended in a nightmare for the Boston blue liner. He took a painkilling shot for an AC joint sprain in his shoulder after a 6-1 win over Finland on Feb. 13, and was able to play in a 3-1 win over Canada a few days later. But he woke up in Boston on Feb. 17 with extreme pain in his shoulder and red streaks across his body. He checked into Massachusetts General Hospital where he was diagnosed with a staph infection, which required an irrigation and debridement procedure the following day. McAvoy ended up missing the final 25 games of Boston's season. "It's disheartening in every way," he said of the injury. "Then you're watching your friends, your teammates struggle. You're trying to be there to help with that, but you can't. So many things this year were just unfortunate. So there's frustration. "It cost me my season. It cost me a lot," McAvoy added. "I spent a lot of time emotionally just sitting with it. Because that was the reality of it." McAvoy said his season felt like two different seasons, and he doesn't really remember much before the injury. He compared the difficult year to running in a race but never being being allowed to cross the finish line. The good news is the finish line is in sight for the 27-year-old. Though he hasn't been cleared just yet, he won't have any restrictions this offseason. "I have no limitations on anything, which allows me to have a big summer, which I'm really excited about," he said. "Obviously every year we make the playoffs and this year we didn't, so I have a different offseason. A four-and-a-half month offseason where I can achieve a lot more. I can do a lot more. I can have a much more productive summer than the usual two months to try and get everything done. That's the silver lining I'm taking from this." McAvoy said that if the Bruins were gearing up for the playoffs, he and the team would be having serious conversations about trying to clear him for action. Instead, he'll have to wait until next fall. The Bruins traded away team captain Brad Marchand as part of the team's deadline day fire sale, so new leaders will have to emerge for next season. McAvoy said he's ready to take the torch, and sees himself, defenseman Hampus Lindholm, and star forward David Pastrnak as the next leaders of the squad. He is eager to to be part of the core that establishes a new culture for the Bruins, and said those conversations will begin almost immediately. "That starts very quickly after this, getting together and establishing what we want," he explained. "What our pillars are going to look like, what we want the culture to get back to and how we're going to do it." It will be a challenge, but it's one McAvoy and Boston's other vets will embrace. "What an opportunity, what an exciting challenge for us to be the people that will get it back to where it needs to be," he said. "We're all looking at it the same way. It's not going to be easy, but it can be done. "There's certainly motivation to never be here again. To find ways for us to improve this culture," added McAvoy. "To get back to what it looks like because this isn't a good place to be right now."
