If you’re a Boston Bruins supporter at this moment, I trust you’re managing to keep your composure and not resorting to anger. To put it plainly, for those unfamiliar with the NHL, the franchise has truly disappointed their fanbase by finishing with a record of 33-39-10 after 82 games, accumulating just 76 points, and landing at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Indeed, it seems the Bruins have fallen short of reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a situation that far from franchise standards, as they broke a playoff streak that lasted 8 whole seasons. It’s a frustrating situation from every angle, as Charlie McAvoy recently emphasized.

McAvoy’s 2024-25 season with the Bruins was characterized by a series of challenges and setbacks. In a total of 50 games, he managed to score 7 goals and provide 16 assists, culminating in a total of 23 points, marking a career low for him. The season came to an abrupt end for him following a shoulder injury incurred during the 4 Nations Face-Off on February 17, 2025. Subsequently, the Bruins struggled to regain their footing in the NHL, especially after trading Brad Marchand shortly after.

In a revealing statement shared by Joe Haggerty on Boston Sports Journal, the defenseman reflected on the season, saying, “Not a great year, really, by any stretch. There were certainly some pockets of some good memories. But overall, really, a year to forget with an unfortunate ending on my side. There really isn’t much.” In summary, the defenseman found the overall season to be unsatisfactory. Indeed, there are numerous reasons to find little enjoyment.

Since his debut during the 2017-18 season, McAvoy has been one of the team’s most consistent performers, recording 30+ points every season except for the 2018-19 season and now 2024-25 due to his injury. Do you know what his playoff statistics are? During his time with the Bruins, McAvoy has played in 91 playoff games, accumulating 6 goals, 42 assists, and a total of 48 points.

Regardless of the events that have unfolded this season, the defenseman is keen to recognize them and progress, asserting, “Honestly, it’s all just motivation, really. To not feel like this again. [I’ve] never been here and I don’t want to be here again, so that’s kind of where we’re at. The struggles I had this year they’re well-known, and it was unfortunate, but I’m excited to put a close on this chapter. Be done with it, honestly, to just get it behind me and then move on from here.”

Amidst the myriad challenges the team has faced this season, Charlie McAvoy’s distress was palpable upon learning of the Bruins’ decision to trade his friend to the Florida Panthers.

Charlie McAvoy had no words for the Marchand Trade

Just as the NHL trade deadline was about to close, significant developments emerged. The Boston Bruins made the surprising decision to trade their captain, Brad Marchand, leaving fans and analysts alike in disbelief. Marchand captained the Boston Bruins for an impressive 16 seasons, forming a strong bond with Charlie McAvoy along the way.

Additionally, the departure of fellow defenseman Brandon Carlo, forward Charlie Coyle, and others to different teams has affected the defenseman. Expressing his views on these trades, he remarked with a sense of disappointment, “It was not fun. It was a really tough day on a lot of different fronts. I’ve seen a lot of my friends no longer here, and I understand there’s a business part of… But it doesn’t make it easier. There’s another aspect to this game that has nothing to do with on the ice, and that’s the friendships.”

While the NHL operates as a business, players who dedicate many years to a franchise, such as Marchand with the Bruins, inevitably build strong relationships with teammates who also commit long-term, like Charlie McAvoy. Seeing a seasoned player, especially one regarded as a friend, transition to another team was truly heartbreaking for the Bruins defenseman.