The Boston Bruins and head coach Marco Sturm received a massive boost Thursday morning with the return of newly minted gold medalist Charlie McAvoy to the ice.

Panic briefly set in around TD Garden when the superstar defenseman missed Wednesday's main practice session following his return from Italy.

But McAvoy was front and center during the optional morning skate, guaranteeing he is ready for puck drop.

The Bruins are preparing for a physical Eastern Conference clash against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Missing a dominant two-way defender who routinely eats up over 24 minutes of ice time per night is a nightmare scenario for any coaching staff.

McAvoy is riding an emotional high after capturing Olympic gold with Team USA just a few days ago. Winning on the international stage often provides a massive surge of confidence for players returning to the NHL grind.

His elite edge work and crisp passing are the main reasons the Boston transition game remains so lethal.

McAvoy ready to anchor Boston defense against Columbus

The morning session also featured some notable intrigue between the pipes for the home side.

Three goaltenders took the ice for the drills, with Michael DiPietro surprisingly sticking around the main group.

Sturm is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the starting netminder. Having his top blueliner back makes life easier for whoever is in the crease.

Boston is currently sitting on 69 points and fighting tooth and nail in a suffocating Atlantic Division playoff race.

Every single point is magnified down the stretch, especially during a critical homestand in front of a demanding fan base.

Columbus will undoubtedly try to establish a heavy, punishing forecheck early in the first period. Having McAvoy available to absorb those hits and execute efficient breakouts is a massive relief for the defensive structure.

Expect the 28-year-old veteran to immediately slot back onto the top pairing alongside Nikita Zadorov.

He will also resume his usual duties quarterbacking the first power play unit, which desperately needs a spark of creativity.

The rest of the league is officially on notice. A rested and highly motivated Olympic champion is a terrifying assignment for any opposing forward group.