Emotional Charlie McAvoy Reveals Shoulder Injury ‘Cost Me My Sanity’ in Heart-Wrenching Confession

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy bared his soul Thursday in a raw, tearful reflection on a season derailed by a devastating shoulder injury and a rare staph infection that left him physically shattered and emotionally drained. “Mentally, emotionally, physically, I’ve gone through so much because of that damn experience. It cost me my season. It cost me my sanity,” McAvoy told reporters at the Bruins’ season-ending media day, his voice trembling .

The nightmare began during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, when McAvoy suffered a Grade 5 AC joint separation after a cross-check from Finland’s Joel Armia. Despite the injury, he played through pain in Team USA’s win over Canada on Feb. 15, receiving a painkilling injection to stay on the ice . But within 48 hours, he awoke in Boston with excruciating pain and a spreading infection. Hospitalized at Mass General, he underwent emergency surgery to clean the infected shoulder and spent days tethered to a PICC line for antibiotics .

“I’m angry at what happened. I’m sad. A little ‘Why me?’” McAvoy admitted, revealing he only stopped antibiotics last week after a two-month battle. The infection’s cause remains a mystery—possibly from dirty gear, a hotel pillow, or the injection itself—but McAvoy refused to blame anyone: “It’s just bad luck” .

The 27-year-old’s absence gutted the Bruins, who spiraled to last place in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. “I don’t even feel like I played hockey this year,” McAvoy said, lamenting his inability to help as Boston traded stars like Brad Marchand .

Yet amid the anguish, McAvoy vowed to rebuild. With no long-term restrictions, he’s focused on training and restoring the Bruins’ culture with David Pastrnak and Hampus Lindholm. “It’s motivation to never be here again,” he declared .

Though scarred, his Olympic dream remains unshaken: “I’d do anything to wear that jersey again.” For now, McAvoy’s battle transcends hockey—a test of resilience against invisible wounds .