Charlie McAvoy continues inching closer to his long-awaited return, and Wednesday offered the clearest indication yet that the Bruins may soon get their top defenseman back.

As the Bruins took the ice in Winnipeg ahead of their matchup with the Jets, McAvoy was not only present again in full participation, he was the one leading the team stretch at center ice.

For veteran players, that role often signals confidence, readiness and leadership and in McAvoy's case, it instantly fueled speculation that his return could be coming sooner than expected.

The 28-year-old has been out since November 15, when he suffered a fractured jaw after taking a slap shot to the face, an injury that required facial surgery and weeks of recovery.

His progress has steadily improved over the past few practices, shifting from non-contact work to full drills with a protected shield.

Seeing him command the stretch added a new layer. Teammates often describe the stretch lead as a subtle but meaningful moment, a sign that the player is re-entering the team's full rhythm and responsibilities rather than remaining on the periphery of practice.

McAvoy's presence signals momentum as Bruins prepare for Jets

While Marco Sturm has not yet confirmed when McAvoy will officially return, the tone around the team continues to shift from caution to anticipation. His skating has looked increasingly natural, his timing sharper and his workload heavier in each session.

The Bruins have relied heavily on Hampus Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov and Mason Lohrei during McAvoy's absence, and while that trio has kept the blue line stable, Boston's transition game and defensive structure unquestionably rise when McAvoy is in the lineup. His ability to control pace, recover pucks and anchor matchups remains irreplaceable.

For now, leading the stretch may only be symbolic, but symbols matter when a team is waiting for its cornerstone to return. If Wednesday was any indication, McAvoy's comeback is no longer a question of if, but when, and that moment appears to be approaching fast.