Charlie McAvoy says he chose Boston, and then Boston chose him, in a new Bruins feature released tonight.
The Bruins picked him 14th overall in 2016, and the line lands in a week when the team sits first in the Atlantic Division at 11-4-1. It reads like a defenseman who knows exactly where he belongs.
The on-ice numbers back up the mood. McAvoy has 1 goal and 7 assists through 10 games this season, and he's a +6.
Over his NHL career he has 583 games and 369 points, including 297 assists. That puts him three away from 300, a number he'll likely reach soon.
Monday wasn't spotless. After the shootout win over the Golden Knights, Marco Sturm called out McAvoy's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, according to Joe Haggerty.
Boston's official account described McAvoy as bonded with the city and let him explain it in his own words: "I chose Boston. And then Boston chose me."
He showed that side away from the ice too. After Military Appreciation Night earlier this week, McAvoy and rookie James Hagens spent time with members of Boston Warriors Hockey, veterans and their families, according to the team.
McAvoy and the Bruins head to Pittsburgh
The Bruins visit the Penguins on Thursday. Pittsburgh is 5-8-2 and has lost three straight, but Boston is 4-3-1 on the road, and Sturm has made it clear he wants a cleaner road effort after sloppy play away from home.
A defenseman with that kind of production and that kind of loyalty is exactly who Boston wants on the ice when a game gets loose. The penalty box is the one place he can't afford to spend extra time.
Thursday in Pittsburgh is his next chance to add to the 297, and to show Sturm the discipline he asked for.
