What Bruins Expect From Charlie McAvoy In First Matchup Off IR

The Bruins will have a big return when they take on the ice against the Winnipeg Jets at TD Garden on Thursday.

Boston activated defenseman Charlie McAvoy off injured reserve, as announced by general manager Don Sweeney in a press release. Max Jones was assigned to Providence in a corresponding move.

McAvoy missed the last seven games due to an upper-body injury and had been out since Jan. 11. The 27-year-old will suit up Thursday on the same day he was announced as an alternate captain for Team USA in the 4Nations Face-Off.

“We’re excited … having Charlie out for the length that he was out, it’s great to have him back,” interim head coach Joe Sacco told reporters, per Eric Russo of BostonBruins.com. “He seems to be in a really good spirit right now. He’s got some good practices under his belt. He looked good in the morning skate today. We’re excited to have him back in our lineup and help stabilize the back end for us.”

McAvoy is projected to pair with Mason Lohrei, which could provide the Black and Gold a boost on offense.

“We both like to use our legs and create offense,” Lohrei told reporters, per BostonBruins.com. “I’m excited, excited anytime I get to play with him. He’s a great player, makes everyone else on the ice better. Pumped to have him back.”

Puck drop for Bruins-Jets is scheduled at 7 p.m. ET, and you can catch full coverage on NESN after an hour of pregame.