The Boston Bruins could use an injection of veteran talent into the roster, and Charlie McAvoy discussed the possibility of returning to the lineup today.

The Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has played a hockey game on the ice since February. During the Four Nations Face-Off tournament, he was hospitalized due to complications of an upper-body injury and has only begun to skate since the incident.

Without McAvoy, the team is struggling, as they're they are the third-worst team in the East, with all hopes of making the playoffs written off.

But that won't stop McAvoy from attempting to return during this final stretch of regular-season games.

He wants to support his teammates:

“I'm just trying to rehab the best I can every single day to get myself in position to potentially play this year,” McAvoy said, via MassLive reporter Matt Vautour. “What will happen, will happen. but to be a part of the group every day to set an example to trying to get closer with these guys and build relationships, that's what I'm trying to do.”

McAvoy only returned to practice on March 25th in a non-contact jersey, and hasn't been cleared to return to contact or play yet, and we're now in April.

While this is a positive step forward for McAvoy, the idea that he could return to the team and push them back into the right direction after being so far gone is a troubling notion, given he may not be fully recovered.

However, despite the encouraging words, the Bruins are dead last in the wild card standings with a record of 30-36-9 and 69 points.

We hope he will be cleared to play at the right time when he's healthy and ready to contribute.

Joe Sacco addressed the idea of a return for McAvoy:

“If he's ready and he's cleared to play, like any player, he wants to get back in there. You might feel good about yourself getting a couple games before the season ends,” he said, via Vautour. “When he's cleared by our medical team, he'll be in the lineup more likely than not. That's the way players are wired.”

The Bruins could use top defenseman McAvoy back in the lineup, no question, and positive momentum is needed for a group of players who are still gelling as a unit.

But the Bruins need to play this close to the chest, as rushing him back to the ice too soon could negatively impact the Bruins' future as well.