Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will return to the lineup Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets, interim head coach Joe Sacco announced, according to Boston Sports Journal's Joe Haggerty.McAvoy missed the previous seven games due to a nagging upper-body injury.

A debate has arisen regarding whether the Boston Bruins should demote top defenseman Charlie McAvoy once he returns to the lineup. Charlie McAvoy has been out of the lineup since Jan.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is still recovering from an undisclosed injury with no set return date.

“He’ll be out (Monday) again and then we’ll just see how he progresses after,” Bruins interim coach Joe Sacco told reporters after Sunday’s practice. “Like I said he was going to be out through the weekend then we’ll re-evaluate him after that and see where he’s at."

This is exciting news for the Bruins, as Lindholm and McAvoy are two of their top defenders. Skating in regular jerseys is a major step in the right direction for the pair. However, they won't be back in the lineup just yet, as head coach Joe Sacco said they won't be options against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 28.

The Boston Bruins are back on the ice tomorrow afternoon to face off against the San Jose Sharks. They will aim to bounce back after a deflating shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. While speaking to reporters, head coach Joe Sacco shared that star defenseman Charlie McAvoy will once again not be in the lineup against the Sharks.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has been chosen to lead the American squad at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, USA Hockey announced Thursday.

Auston Matthews will serve as captain for the United States in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, and his team is the only one involved without a glaring injury question to answer.

Auston Matthews was named captain of Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off on Wednesday. The 27-year-old center is in his first season as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 4 Nations Face-Off will be the first time Matthews will represent the United States since joining the NHL for the 2016-17 season.

Auston Matthews will head the United States’ leadership group at the 4 Nations Face-Off. USA Hockey announced on Thursday afternoon that the Maple Leafs captain will be its captain for the event in Montreal and Boston, running from Feb. 12-20. Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers and Charlie McAvoy each will wear an ‘A’ for the United States.

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs is set to have another honor added to his impressive NHL career. As the 4 Nations Face-Off approaches, Maple Leafs captai