History of Charlie McAvoy in Timeline

Charlie McAvoy is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Boston Bruins in the NHL. Drafted 14th overall in 2016, he is a key player for the Bruins.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 21, 1997: Birth of Charlie McAvoy Jr.

On December 21, 1997, Charles Patrick McAvoy Jr. was born. He is an American professional ice hockey player, currently serving as a defenseman and alternate captain for the Boston Bruins of the NHL.

2010: Played in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2010, McAvoy participated in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament as part of the New York Rangers minor ice hockey team.

2012: Matt Grzelcyk drafted by the Boston Bruins

In 2012, Matt Grzelcyk, a future teammate of McAvoy, was selected as a third-round pick by the Boston Bruins in the NHL entry draft.

August 2013: Committed to play college hockey at Boston University

In August 2013, McAvoy made a commitment to further his hockey career by playing at the college level for Boston University.

2014: Won gold medal at World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In 2014, McAvoy secured a gold medal at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge (January tournament), contributing to his achievements at the junior level.

2015: Won gold medal at IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2015, McAvoy played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and was part of the team that won a gold medal at the IIHF World U18 Championships.

2016: Selected in the NHL Entry Draft

In 2016, Charlie McAvoy was selected 14th overall in the NHL entry draft, marking the beginning of his professional hockey career.

2016: Won bronze medal at World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In 2016, McAvoy won a bronze medal as a member of the U-20 team at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

2016: Highly regarded leading up to the NHL entry draft

Leading up to the 2016 NHL entry draft, McAvoy was highly regarded by scouts and considered one of the top four defensemen available, highlighting his potential in professional hockey.

March 29, 2017: Signed with the Providence Bruins

On March 29, 2017, McAvoy concluded his college hockey career and signed an amateur try-out agreement with the Providence Bruins, which is the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins.

April 12, 2017: NHL debut and playoff victory

On April 12, 2017, McAvoy made his NHL debut in a playoff game against the Ottawa Senators, which the Bruins won 2–1. Despite his lack of NHL experience, he played significant minutes and contributed to the team's success.

June 2017: Praised by Bobby Orr

In June 2017, Bruins legend and Hall of Fame defenseman Bobby Orr praised McAvoy's talent and work ethic, highlighting his potential for success in the NHL after his performance in the playoffs.

October 5, 2017: NHL regular season debut

On October 5, 2017, McAvoy made his NHL regular season debut in the Bruins' season opener against the Nashville Predators, where he scored his first regular season goal and recorded an assist in a 4–3 victory.

November 26, 2017: Heart arrhythmia episode

On November 26, 2017, following a home game against the Edmonton Oilers, McAvoy experienced an episode of heart arrhythmia, which led to a diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia.

December 18, 2017: Scored a Gordie Howe hat trick

On December 18, 2017, McAvoy achieved a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, and a fight) in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, contributing to the Bruins' 7–2 win.

2017: Won gold at World Junior Championship and named player of the game

In 2017, McAvoy won the World Junior Championship and was recognized as the player of the game during the gold-medal match, adding to his list of accomplishments at the junior level.

2017: NESN 7th Player Award

McAvoy was recognized as the NESN 7th Player Award winner for the 2017-2018 season on March 31, 2018, celebrating his performance. This award is given by the New England Sports Network.

February 3, 2018: Return to NHL play

On February 3, 2018, McAvoy returned to NHL play after undergoing a procedure for supraventricular tachycardia, skating 18:51 in a 4-1 Bruins win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

February 27, 2018: Overtime goal against Carolina Hurricanes

On February 27, 2018, during a game at TD Garden, McAvoy scored the overtime goal against the Carolina Hurricanes, contributing to a 4–3 home win and becoming the youngest Bruins defenseman to achieve this feat.

March 31, 2018: Recipient of the 2017/18 NESN 7th Player Award

On March 31, 2018, McAvoy was awarded the 2017/18 NESN 7th Player Award prior to a game against the Florida Panthers, recognizing his performance and contribution to the team.

2018: Led defenseman in scoring at IIHF World Championship

In 2018, McAvoy led all defensemen in scoring at the IIHF World Championship with nine points, despite playing in only six games due to the Bruins' playoff schedule; his performance contributed to a bronze medal win at the tournament.

2018: Played in the World Championships

In 2018, McAvoy represented the United States at the World Championships.

May 7, 2019: Suspended one playoff game

On May 7, 2019, McAvoy was suspended for one playoff game due to an illegal check to the head of Josh Anderson during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, causing him to miss game 1 of the Eastern Conference final.

September 15, 2019: Signed a three-year contract with the Bruins

On September 15, 2019, McAvoy, as a restricted free agent, signed a three-year, $14.7 million contract with the Boston Bruins, securing his place with the team for the near future.

2019: Expected to take a big step forward

In the 2019-2020 season, McAvoy was expected to elevate his game while playing alongside Zdeno Chára, but he struggled with offensive production during the year.

February 5, 2020: First goal of the season

On February 5, 2020, McAvoy scored his first goal of the season in an overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks, ending a scoring drought.

2020: Became a top defenseman on the Bruins roster

In the 2020 offseason, with the departure of key defensive players from the Bruins, McAvoy stepped up to become a top defenseman on the team and finished fifth in Norris Trophy voting.

October 15, 2021: Signed contract extension with the Bruins

On October 15, 2021, McAvoy signed an eight-year, $76 million contract extension with the Bruins, marking it as the biggest contract in the team's history at the time and securing his role with the team.

2021: Career highs in goals and assists

During the 2021-2022 season, McAvoy achieved career highs in both goals and assists, showcasing his offensive capabilities and consistent defensive presence for the Bruins.

June 3, 2022: Shoulder Surgery Announced

On June 3, 2022, the Bruins announced that McAvoy underwent shoulder surgery and would be sidelined for six months, causing him to miss the beginning of the 2022-23 season.

July 2022: Engaged to Kiley in Italy

In July 2022, Charlie McAvoy and his girlfriend Kiley got engaged in Italy, marking an important step in their relationship.

November 10, 2022: Season Debut after shoulder surgery

On November 10, 2022, McAvoy made his season debut after recovering from shoulder surgery and scored a goal in the game.

August 2023: Married Kiley Sullivan

In August 2023, McAvoy married his girlfriend Kiley, who is the daughter of New York Rangers' head coach Mike Sullivan, marking a significant personal milestone.

October 30, 2023: Suspended for illegal check to the head

On October 30, 2023, McAvoy was suspended for four games after delivering an illegal check to the head of Oliver Ekman-Larsson, resulting in an injury to the player and a match penalty for McAvoy.

2023: Bruins upset by the Florida Panthers in the playoffs

In the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Bruins had an historic season that ended with them being upset by the Florida Panthers in the opening round.

December 1, 2024: Scored two goals in Bruins Centennial Game

On December 1, 2024, McAvoy scored two goals in the Bruins Centennial Game, contributing to a 6-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.

January 26, 2025: Welcomed First Child

On January 26, 2025, Charlie McAvoy and his wife Kiley welcomed their first child, adding to their family.

January 30, 2025: Named alternate captain for Team USA

On January 30, 2025, McAvoy was announced as an alternate captain for Team USA at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, marking his return to international competition.

February 15, 2025: Suffered upper-body injury

On February 15, 2025, during a game against Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, McAvoy sustained an upper-body injury and was subsequently ruled out of the next game.

April 11, 2025: Ruled out for the season

On April 11, 2025, Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco confirmed that McAvoy would not return for the remainder of the season due to an infection from a shoulder injury.

June 16, 2025: Named to Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics

On June 16, 2025, McAvoy was selected as one of six players to be included in Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

2026: Selection to Team USA's preliminary roster for the Winter Olympics

McAvoy was named to the preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics for Team USA on June 16, 2025, showcasing his ongoing role in international hockey.