Seeing Charlie McAvoy skate again gave the Boston Bruins a real lift as Marco Sturm praised the defenseman's progress.

McAvoy, who recently underwent facial surgery after taking a puck to the face against the Montreal Canadiens, stepped onto TD Garden ice ahead of the team's skate this morning.

He wore a full shield with added jaw protection, but his presence alone felt like a major step for a Bruins blue line stretched thin in recent weeks.

Sturm spoke glowingly afterward, noting that McAvoy looked upbeat and eager. He avoided giving a timeline, staying consistent with the team's cautious approach.

The Bruins have leaned heavily on McAvoy for years, and his absence leaves a significant void. He averages over 23 minutes per night and drives transitions with his skating and puck control.

Without him, Boston has had to spread those responsibilities across a group already dealing with injuries.

His return to the ice, even in a limited capacity, suggests the recovery is tracking positively. The swelling has gone down, and the protective setup now allows him to move at near-full pace while the medical staff monitors contact restrictions.

Charlie McAvoy progress boosts Boston Bruins morale

Sturm joked that McAvoy “looks better than before.”

Here is the view from the Garden this morning:

And here is Sturm's full comment on his return:

McAvoy's path back remains carefully managed, and the Bruins will not rush him. His leadership, breakout execution, and physical presence represent traits the Bruins have struggled to replace.

For now, the sight of No. 73 moving confidently again marks a turning point. If his recovery continues at this pace, the Bruins could soon regain their most important defenseman.