A wave of long-awaited optimism rolled through Boston on Thursday as head coach Marco Sturm delivered a crucial update on Charlie McAvoy's recovery.

Sturm confirmed that McAvoy will continue skating this week on a day-to-day basis, adding that the Bruins will reevaluate him next week.

It's the clearest sign yet that the star defenseman may return sooner than many feared after suffering a facial injury in Montreal. McAvoy has already rejoined the team in a no-contact capacity, and his presence alone has energized a roster grinding through one of its most difficult stretches.

Sturm didn't hold back when describing what McAvoy's progress means to the room.

“I saw him for the first time 3 or 4 days ago, and automatically, it puts a smile on your face,” he said.

Sturm continued with even more emotion. “We call him family, we call him a brother -- to see him hurt like that in Montreal and to see him back like this with a smile, he's all happy and excited.”

Boston Bruins cautiously optimistic as Charlie McAvoy ramps up

As a fan watching this unfold, the update feels like a much-needed lift. McAvoy's skating indicates the recovery timeline is accelerating, and the reevaluation next week suggests a return could come sooner than the initial uncertainty implied.

Sturm also shared updates on other injured stars. He noted that the Bruins “hope David Pastrnak will start skating soon, but he's not ready yet,” confirming Pastrnak's timeline remains more fluid. Joonas Korpisalo will start tonight as Boston continues to navigate its battered lineup.

Here is Sturm's full update.

For now, the Bruins will take the good news where it can get it. McAvoy's smile may be the clearest sign that better days are on the horizon.